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vations made at her own stations, that is, over an area not 
larger than Wales , and forming part of a great continent. 
It will be clear to yon and to every meteorologist that 
forecasts founded upon barometrical differences over an area 
so limited, ’ and geographically so situated, could not be of 
much practical value, — and that for purposes of forecasting, 
Dr. B. Ballot could, at that period, have had but little 
advantage over any individual and isolated observer. 
But however that may be, I will, with your permission, 
relate as simply as possible what I know with respect to the 
origination of the storm-signals — observing that any know- 
ledge I may possess on the subject is derived from the fact 
that I was Admiral Fitzroy’s assistant from the first estab- 
lishment of the Meteorological Department in January, 1855, 
that I was in daily personal communication with him, and I 
believe, saw the whole of his correspondence. 
By continued and consecutive series of charts constructed 
on the synoptic or synchronous principle, during the winter 
of 1856-57, it appeared to Admiral Fitzroy that a light was 
thrown on the atmospheric changes over the British Isles 
and their vicinity which 7 had been unattainable previously. 
Those charts were prepared by myself under Admiral Fitz- 
roy’s direction, with the express view (as I know from 
frequent conversations with him on the subject) of gaining 
by their intercomparison an insight into the laws of our 
atmosphere which might enable us to know what weather 
was likely to prevail during the next two or three days, 
and, as a corollary, when a storm was likely to occur. Those 
charts however were not found sufficient by themselves, and 
led to subsequent arrangements and correspondence. 
In the Report of the Meteorological Department in March, 
1857, Admiral Fitzroy wrote — “It has been desired that a 
great many observations should be compared throughout 
the British Isles (with their neighbouring coasts and seas) 
at certain remarkable periods, to obtain the means of deline- 
