197 
the number of spots observed on the sun’s disk. The mean 
direction in each year of the series was 
1859 
S. 531° W. 
1864 
S. 20° W. 
1860 
70£ 
1865 
16 
1861 
51 
1866 
12J 
1862 
511 
1867 
24 
1863 
41 
1868 
38 
It appears therefore that the greatest angle of direction 
occurred in 1860, which was a year of maximum solar spot 
frequency ; and the least angle in 1866 when solar spots were 
least numerous. I had noticed this remarkable coincidence 
when I wrote my paper in 1868, but did not mention it in 
the paper, as I thought it better to wait for the publication 
of the observations for another year or two, to see whether 
the angle of direction of the wind would increase after the 
period of solar spot frequency had passed its minimum. 
The above numbers show that an increase has taken place, 
and I therefore now feel justified in drawing attention to 
the subject as one of considerable importance in its bearing 
upon meteorological science, and also upon that of terrestrial 
magnetism. 
In conclusion, I may mention as a noteworthy fact that 
although observations of the direction and velocity of the 
wind have, for many years, been made at various observa- 
tories in this country, and elsewhere, with self-recording 
instruments, I have not yet been able to meet with any, save 
these made at Oxford, the results of which are published in 
a form available for the purposes of an investigation similar 
to the one which forms the subject of this paper. This is 
however only one of many instances that might be adduced 
to show how important it has become to effect a reform of 
the unsatisfactory system which has so long and so generally 
been pursued in publishing the results of meteorological 
observations. 
“ On the Rainfall at Old Trafford, Manchester, during the 
year 1870,” by G. V. Vernon, F.R.A.S., F.M.S. 
N 
