the superior winter temperature at the sea-side, 
and the almost certainty with which they follow 
after rain and thunderstorms, either in summer 
or in winter, would seem to favour this sup- 
position. 
There are few people who cannot in some 
way or degree assist in the furthering of this 
most interesting branch of physical science, 
although but a limited number can have the 
opportunities and ability to rival the researches 
of men like Maury and Glaisher, Humboldt 
and others. Every little, however, in this, helps 
to form the great whole, and I hope the time is 
near when Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and 
Brisbane will daily exchange records of the 
wind, weather, &c., by telegram. They have 
had the opportunity for years, but never availed 
of it, so are as yet ignorant of its benefits. But, 
apart from this, we shall find the science inte- 
resting within the boundaries of our own colony. 
The climate of any country is the first subject 
of enquiry among persons wishing to know all 
about it, and in Queensland, where we invite 
and expect thousands of our countrymen to 
settle among us, we ought no longer to be 
scientifically ignorant of our climatic capabilities, 
agricultural, pastoral, and sanitary, so far as 
they can be ascertained by observation and 
record, and the use of a few instruments and 
at the outlay of a few hundreds annually. 
It is a provision of nature that every country 
can or does produce the food and medicines 
most suitable and requisite in its climate, and 
where these do not grow naturally they only 
require introducing, aud here meteorology can 
save a multitude of useless experiments. 
The climate of Brisbane has been compared 
with that of Madeira. The climate of Eock- 
hampton and its vicinity appears to me to be 
comparable with that of Eio Janeiro ; there 
are the same annual mean temperature, 74'5 ; 
the same rich soil and abundance of water 
everywhere * the same tangled scrubs. The 
sea-cow or dugong, the alligator, the gorgeous 
parrots, &c., are common to both places, and no 
doubt that which grows in and about Eio would 
also thrive in Eockhampton. 
Other resemblances of climate will in time be 
brought to light in our new colony, and we 
shall be able to tell the world what we can do 
within our own borders. 
I will now conclude this notice of meteorology 
with a list of the instruments required at each 
observing station, and the prices of each : — 
Standard barometer, £10 ; hygrometer, 30s; 
max. shade thermometer, 30s ; min. ditto ditto, 
30s ; solar radiation thermometer, 30s ; rain 
gauge, 30s ; box of ozone papers, 20s ; and 
anemometer. 
The reading of the above communication gave 
rise to a lengthy and animated conversation, in 
which all the members present took part. A 
suggestion was thrown out by Mr. Eawnsley 
well worth the consideration of the Government, 
regarding the taking of observations. It was to 
this effect : — The telegraphic stations, which 
are, or are to be, would form excellent stations for 
making meteorological observations, and by 
arrangement, the station masters might do the 
double work. Even as matters at present stand 
we should then have observations made 
simultaneously at Cape Moreton, Brisbane, the 
high lands of the Downs, the Burnett Plains, 
Eockhampton, and PortDenison. It was thought 
by some members present that the society should 
take some action in the matter ; but the opinion 
of those prevailed who thought it most probable 
that the Government might move in this im- 
portant matter, and that therefore, they should 
wait a short time before taking any further steps. 
The Chairman vacated the chair at a few minutes 
after ten p.m. 
Printed by G. Wight, “ Guardian Office,” Brisbane. 
