8o 
[February, 
Sun-spottery. 
of Etna. In 1855 sun-spots were at a minimum, and there 
was an activity on the part of Vesuvius for four years. In 
i860 sun-spots were at a maximum, and Vesuvius was 
aCtive during the space of two years. In 1867 sun-spots 
were at a minimum ; Etna was in eruption two years pre- 
viously, and Vesuvius the two subsequent years ; the latter 
year Etna was again erupting. In 1870 sun-spots were at 
a maximum, and there was an eruption of Vesuvius extend- 
ing over three years. In 1876 sun spots were at a minimum ; 
Vesuvius was in activity, and there had been eruptions from 
Etna during the space of three years. 
I have thus adduced sufficient to render it palpable that 
Solar Physics, in its concrete form a matter of astronomical 
observation, is capable of being turned to utility when ap- 
plied to establish statistics that are in legitimate connection. 
It is, however, evident that these statistics are general in 
their enunciation, and that they may or they may not affect 
pecuniary interests or produce commercial panics. However 
let us look at the economic matter in the same light as the 
natural phenomena. Supposing the said pecuniary gains 
and losses, and the said commercial panics, should occur in 
cycles, and that these cycles should prove to coincide with 
the sun-spot cycle. What then ? Must we at once fly to 
the assumption that, although the periodicity is identical, 
there is a similarity and not identity of causation. Let us 
take the well-known case of contradiction presented by the 
harvest and crops in India. Messrs. Norman-Lockyer and 
Hunter have constructed a Table which clearly shows how 
the famine years in Southern India coincide with the years 
of fewest sun-spots when the rainfall is deficient ; the late 
Prof. Stanley Jevons has constructed a table that shows that 
corn was at its highest quotation, in the Delhi market, at 
times when sun spots were normally at a maximum and the 
rainfall in excess. What then ? Is there here anything but 
what might be supposed to result from a difference of lati- 
tude or surroundings ? May not rain that refreshes a parched 
land arrive with different auspices in a more humid climate? 
Yet who is the individual required to solve this problem, the 
meteorologist or astronomer ? Decidedly not ; it belongs to 
the speciality of the naturalist. 
Why should we not, then, have an efficient staff of ob- 
servant naturalists as adjunct to each Solar Committee of 
the future ? In vain the men of figures will puzzle when it 
appertains not to their sphere to investigate. In vain red- 
tape clerks and smart newspaper reporters will raise a cry 
of sun-spottery ! sun-spottery ! when the oracles are at fault. 
