PROGNOSTICS OF THE WEATHEll. 251 



quantity of water of an increased atmospherical temperature; and, 

 secondly, from its not being improbable that the number of marginal 

 specks is augmented with age. 



Superficial observation of such diversities only create embarrassment ; 

 for as the shades of distinction are fainter there is the more difficulty 

 in condescending on or rejecting identity. The pulp leech, (planaria,^ 

 Proteus-like, incessantly assumes a variety of forms and appearances, 

 which, without due and careful appreciation, will lead the naturalist 

 farther and farther from the truth. 



PROGNOSTICS OF THE WEATHEll. 



BY COLONEL CAPPER. 



It is often remarked, that the most extraordinary changes take place 

 in the barometer during the two first and the two last months of the 

 year ; which is saying only, in other words, that these changes happen 

 in the four coldest months of the year, from the beginning of Novem- 

 ber to the end of February. But in the annual table it appears that 

 the mercury is highest in the warm months of June, July, and 

 August j nevertheless, especially in high latitudes, the most violent and 

 sudden variations will of course take place during a frost, with a north- 

 east, or a north-west wind, and descend proportionably on the approach 

 of a thaw with a southerly wind. When the barometer falls, and the 

 thermometer rises, rain may be expected, especially in winter. In 

 summer, during settled fair weather, both are high. 



In winter, particularly in mild open weather, twenty-four or forty- 

 eight hours preceding a fall of snow, the barometer will sometimes rise ; 

 but a few hours before it actually commences the mercury will sud- 

 denly fall again ; descending daily as long as the snow continues. A 

 severe frost in winter is always preceded by a great rise of the barome- 

 ter, and a proportionable fall of the thermometer. When the barometer, 

 in winter, or near the vernal, or autumnal equinox, is at or below 29° 50 

 or changeable, and suddenly descends two or three tenths, a gale of 

 wind, and rain may be expected. When the same change takes place in 

 summer, and early in autumn, it may precede either a gale of wind, or 

 only a thunder storm. When the gale of wind subsides, and before it 

 is quite past, the barometer will suddenly rise again. But after a 

 thunder shower it will sometimes remain nearly stationary, or the rise 

 will generally be moderate and gradual. 



