OBSERVATIONS ON DETERMINATIONS OF DROUGHT-INTENSITY. 71 



3. Nature of the problem. — On the adequacy of this conception 

 of the facts, the solution suggested by Mr. Deane really depends. 

 I propose therefore to indicate what I conceive to be a more 

 approximate statement of the actual facts to be considered in a 

 solution, and how it is affected thereby; and further to offer some 

 observations on the means of obtaining one, which will present no 

 discontinuities other than are inherent in the data themselves, 

 that is, in the meteorological phenomena from which the graphs 

 are deduced. It is proper to mention that Mr. Deane did not 

 propose a general solution, but one restricted merely to the 

 saturation element. It may not be inappropriate also, here to 

 remark, that so far as I am aware, meteorological science has not 

 3 T et determined, even approximately, the form of the functions con- 

 necting the data with such derived phenomena, and even in ideally 

 definite cases; and further, that in order to reach a practical 

 solution, such cases must not only be experimentally studied, but 

 also so chosen as to cover the range of actual conditions. That is 

 to say, the meteorological phenomena usually recorded at an 

 observing station must be experimentally connected with their 

 consequences, in specific cases, in order that those phenomena may 

 be intelligently considered in relation to their general influence 

 on a territory. Without results of such experiments to hand, the 

 application of the method of averages will advance our knowledge 

 at least one step beyond the purely empirical stage, and will pre- 

 pare the way for a better and more efficient study of a problem so 

 profoundly affecting our well-being, and of such moment to this 

 province. I may be permitted to add that, in discussing Mr. 

 Deane's attack on the problem, I wish to express my appreciation, 

 not only of the method which he has advanced, but also of his 

 very suggestive conversations on the subject; a subject which 

 from several points of view, I have studied for a considerable time. 



4. Characteristically similar cases. — Since practically, determin- 

 ations of drought-intensity are required for areas governed by 

 generally similar conditions, a territory must be subdivided into 

 such areas as present characteristically similar features, and 



