1896 - 97 .] T. S. Muir on Observing Station on Ben Nevis. 281 
Clouds, wind, visibility, and fog were estimated independently 
of instrumental aid. 
The barometer was set up in the hut as far from the cooking- 
stove as possible, and the thermometers (in Stevenson screen) and 
the rain-gauge were thirty yards away on the slope above. 
The hut itself is on the summit of a slight ridge on the general 
slope of the hill, which slants on the south to a narrow cleft — the 
path of a torrent in its drop to the glen beneath — and on the 
north to a broader and deeper wedge running right into the heart 
of the mountain. Above is the Ben itself, or rather the shoulder 
of it called Cairn Dearg. To the north-west the view is partially 
blocked by a hill, which overlooks the hut from a distance of about 
half-a-mile and a height of 150 feet; and due west is the steep 
descent of the hill to the valley of the Nevis. The station has 
thus an open exposure to the north, the west, and the south-west. 
Its height above sea-level is 2190 feet. 
The advantages of the site are — (1) It is almost exactly half- 
way in height and horizontal distance between the Summit and 
Low-Level Observatories, thus giving an indication as to whether 
the gradient of temperature is uniform. 
(2) The slight ridge above mentioned, on each side of which 
there is clear space for the uninterrupted descent of cold down- 
flowing atmospheric currents. 
(3) Being on a hill side, it possesses at least half the advantages 
of a summit station. 
On the other hand, there are the following disadvantages : — 
(1) A steep slope above, completely obstructing the eastern 
horizon. 
(2) The liability of the barometer to the vibration and sudden 
changes of temperature inseparable from the construction of a 
wooden hut. 
(3) The long continuance of cyclonic weather, that to some 
extent defeated the main purpose of the undertaking. All of 
those defects, however, except the last, are of slight importance 
compared with the advantages ; and I venture to say that, in spite 
of the adverse weather conditions, results have been obtained such 
as will, if no more, justify another trial of the intermediate 
station. 
VOL. XXI. 
29 / 3/97 
T 
