158 
lower strata of the atmosphere ; while, on the contrary, at 
placeshiorth or south of the belt the changes of temperature 
are greatest in the lower strata. The details of the results 
are given in the Paper, and all the temperatures are reduced 
to Fahrenheit’s scale, and the differences of elevation to 
English feet. 
The great changes of temperature which take place in the 
higher strata of the atmosphere in the belt, indicate a less 
capacity for heat and a greater degree of dryness of the air in 
these strata than in the corresponding strata beyond the belt. 
The Author was therefore led to conclude that the ratios of 
the quantities of rain falling on the mountain and on the 
plain would be less at places in the belt than in other locali- 
ties ; and the results which he has given of the comparisons 
of the mean annual amounts of rain-fall at different stations 
fully bear out this conclusion. Comparisons are also made 
of the falls of rain during the winter and summer halves of 
the year ; and it is shown that at places in the belt the ratio 
of the quantity falling on the mountain to that falling on the 
plain is greater in the summer than in the winter half of the 
year, while on the contrary, at places beyond the belt, it is 
greatest in the winter half. 
The Author then draws attention to some results which 
appear to indicate that the annual rate of decrease of tempe- 
rature, on ascending in the atmosphere, is subject to a 
periodical change. Comparing Geneva and Milan with the 
Great St. Bernard, the annual rate for the years 1848 — 58 
exhibits, with but trifling irregularities, a gradual increase 
up to the beginning of the year 1854, and afterwards a 
Gradual decrease. The differences of temperature between 
the two stations By well and Allenlieads, in Northumberland, 
at a difference of elevation of 1273 feet, also show a progres- 
sive increase from 4T4° in 1856, to 5 07° in 1860. The 
Author remarks that the epoch when the rate of decrease was 
at a maximum, as shown by the Geneva and Great St. Ber 
