14 



Description of an Automatic 



the integer number of inches, nor the time ; for the paper 

 slip has the time already printed on the side, so that when 

 the record of the day is completed, it is only necessary to 

 add the date and integer inches. 



One great advantage in the use of this instrument con- 

 sists in the ease with which it may be manipulated. All 

 the adjustments are simple and easily accomplished. Any 

 person could learn, in a few clays at most, to keep it in 

 running order, and make any adjustments, should it be- 

 come necessary from accident or other causes. No che- 

 micals are needed, except the sulphate of copper for the 

 battery, which may readily be procured in any town or 

 village. Every part of the action is visible to the eye of 

 the observer, so that in case any part gets out of order, it 

 will readily be seen. We believe this instrument would 

 be of great value at the Government stations in remote 

 localities, where systematic meteorological observations 

 are carried on. A standard barometer might be read 

 once every day, to guard against any error from change of 

 zero, from accident or other cause. There is no portion 

 of the machine which is liable to get out of order. Per- 

 haps after long use the numbers on the type-wheels may 

 become clogged by the use of the impression paper, 

 thereby impairing the distinctness of the printed record ; 

 but should this trouble be found to occur, they can readily 

 be cleaned with a brush without disturbing any adjust- 

 ment. Thus far we have found no difficulty from this 

 cause. The impression paper is not essential, even with 

 the present pjan of printing. We only use it to get greater 

 distinctness; in fact, our records look like ordinary print. 

 By applying a little more power to the hammer, a very 

 good impression is obtained without its use. If steel types 

 were used, with good card-board, a distinct impression 



