OF SELBORNE. 
LETTER CIV. 
TO THE HONOURABLE HAINES BARRINGTON. 
In reading Dr. Hiixhani's Ohservationes dc Aerc, &c., written 
at Plymontli, I find by tliose cnrious and accnrate remarks 
whicli contain an account of tlie weather from the year 1727 
to tlie year 1748, inclusive, that though there is frequent rain 
in that district of Devonshire, yet the quantity falling is not 
great; and that some years it has been very small : for in 1731 
the rain measured only 17^"'^— 266^'^°^ and in 1741, 20—354; 
and again in 1743 only 20 — 908. Places near the sea have 
frequent scuds that keep the atmosphere moist, yet do not 
reach far up into the country ; making thus the maritime 
situations appear wet, when the rain is not considerable. In 
the wettest years at Plymouth, the Doctor measured only once 
36; and again once, viz. 1734, 37 — 114: a quantity of rain 
that has twice been exceeded at Sel])orne in the short period 
of my observations. Dr. Huxham remarks, that frequent 
small rains keep the air moist; while heavy ones render it 
more dry, by beating down the vapours, He is also of opinion 
that the dingy, smoky appearance in the sky, in very dry 
seasons, arises from the want of moisture sufficient to let the 
light through, and render the atmosphere trans-parent ; because 
he had observed several bodies more diaphanous when wet than 
dry ; and never recollected that the air had that look in rainy 
seasons. 
My friend, who lives just beyond tlie top of the town, 
brought his three swivel guns to try them in my outlet, with 
their muzzles towards the Hanger, supposing that the report 
would have had a great effect ; but the experiment did not 
answer his expectation. He then removed them to the Alcove 
on the Hanger; when the sound, rushing along the Lythe and 
Combwood, was very grand : but it was at the Hermitage that 
the echoes and repercussions most delighted the liearers ; not 
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