PERIODICITY OF GOOD AND BAD SEASONS. 113 
travelled down our coast in 1857 and 1866 depositing deluges of 
rain on the coast, while inland drought reigned supreme ; these 
are the phases of what I have called in the text ‘‘breaks in 
droughts.” 
(13) Mr. Trebeck’s quotation is support’ from a very close 
observer of nature, and could we find a full statement of the late 
Rev. W. B. Clarke’s opinions on this subject they would be 
invaluable. % 
(14) Professor Threlfall’s criticism (1) is I think answered in my 
reply (1). In answer to (2), (3) and (4):—No, the complete 
meteorological records go back only twenty-five years, but news- 
papers and histories have enabled me to carry the record back to 
the foundation of the Colony, see my replies (1) and (3). 
(15) Professor Threlfall (5), said his criticisms apply to drought 
A only. The evidence for the other series ison Mr. Russell’s 
own shewing, not sufficient to establish any periodicity at all. 
This does not represent my contention ; I claim that droughts A 
and D are in the nineteen years’ cycle, the others I did not discuss; 
See my reply (6). History seldom records any but the major 
droughts A and D. The recurrence of these in a nineteen year 
cycle is I think, proved beyond question, if the fact be remembered 
that there was in past ages no meteorology, and a record of 
drought only when very intense or the cause of some disaster. 
If these occasional records ALL prove the cycle, as I have shewn 
that they do, then the probability in its favour is so strong, that, 
to my mind it is proof of the fact. : 
(16) Mr. Deane asked, where the story about dead trees was to 
be found. References to this. fact in my book on the “ Climate 
of New South Wales,” 1876, pp. 66 and 181.—(Royal Society, N.S. 
ales, Vol. x., p. 165, 1876.) 
A full reply to Mr. Deane’s further questions can only be given 
| on the completion of the investigation into the cause of droughts, 
and I regret that this is not far enough advanced to enable me 
to reply ; evidence sufficient to convince me as to the ‘moon’s © 
H—June 3, 1896, 
