( XI ) 
" Two features in the forecast service of the year arc deserving of special 
mention. The first of these was the establishment at Ditcliingham, in 
Norfolk, of a system of weather signalling by means of which the terms of the 
forecasts were made known over a considerable area. The signals consisted of 
a ball, a drum, and a double cone, and were hoisted at about 5'30 p.m. each 
day, on the summit of Ditchingham Church tower, and remained np until the 
forenoon of the following day. The entire arrangements were organised, and 
the expenses arranged for by F. Morrice, Esq., of Ditchingham Hall, who at 
the close of the time wrote as follows : — ' The signals caused a wide difference 
of opinion as to their utility, and some fierce opposition. On the whole 1 
think they were a great success. During the last week I shall call a meeting 
of farmers and others interested, and if they agree, I hope another year to 
extend the system considerably, paying for our own telegrams by subscription, 
and copying from one church tower to another.' (M.O. 1879.) After a 
severe analysis of the forecasts, Mr. Morrice reported that 72 per cent, (or, 
omitting the last week, 77 per cent.) were riyht ; this result is even more 
satisfactory than that obtained by our own system of checking. 
" The other feature of interest in connection with the service was the fact 
that there were this year as many as four subscribers for the forecasts, one iu 
England, E., two in the Midland counties, and one in England, N.W, At 
the close of the time these persons were unanimous in their testimony to the 
success and value of the system. The subscribers in England, E. (Mr. Fer- 
gusson), wrote : — ' There has not been one mistake during the time I have 
had them.' (M.O. 1512.) From the Midland counties one of the recipients 
(Mr. Harcourt Vernon) wrote: — -'My agent informs me that they were 
wonderfully accurate, and of the greatest help to him and those of my tenants 
who live near enough to use them.' (M.O. 18G8.) The other subscriber in 
this district (Lord Vernon) gave practical proof of his appreciation of the 
forecasts by depositing with the office at the close of the time a sum of money 
sufficient to defray the cost of similar telegrams next year. The subscriber in 
England, N.W. (Mr. Earle), remarked that the forecasts had ' answered every 
purpose.' (M.O. 1511.) 
" The opinions of Mr. Jacob Wilson, Mr. Birkbeck, and Mr. Fan-ell, quoted 
iu the larger table, are worthy of note. 
" I am, &c., 
(Signed) " Fredc. Gastes. 
" To E. H. Scott, Esq., 
" Secretary, Meteorological Council." 
