Observations on the Quantity op Rain at Different Heights. 

 Read July, 27th, 1846, by O. W. Morris. 



Observations on the quantity of rain that falls at different 

 heights have been made in Prance and England ; the results of 

 which have been published at various times, and the Regents of 

 the University of this State have recommended that similar obser- 

 vations should be made by the literary institutions under their care : 

 such may have been made, but they have not been published, or 

 have not come under our observation, although it is very desirable 

 that they should be made known, for they may serve still farther 

 to unravel many of the mysterious laws of the Creator, and to make 

 his wisdom and goodness more conspicuous, in making use at 

 means to bring about a desirable result. 



A little more than a year since observations were commenced 

 at the institution for the deaf and dumb, and two gages fixed at 

 different heights— one about five feet from the ground and the 

 other on the top of the institution, about eighty feet above the first ; 

 and the quantity of rain and melted snow that has fallen has been 

 carefully noted, and the result has been, that much more has been 

 collected in the lower gage, than in the upper; thus corresponding 

 in some degree with the results obtained in Europe. The gao-es 

 used were the conical gages, first made by Simeon De Witt, Esq., 

 former Surveyor General, and recommended by the Regents of 

 the University. 



The reasons of this difference are not so easily accounted for, as 

 in the warm seasons, the temperature is greater near the surface 

 of the ground, than at 30, 40, or more feet above it. But may it 

 not be the case, that this in itself, is a very good cause, as the great- 

 est difference occurs in the warmest season of the year? The 

 heat at the surface converts the falling water into vapor, which 

 rising is condensed again, and united with the drops of rain from 



