Natural Philosophy. — Meteorology . 185 
METEOROLOGY. 
8. Mr Anderson's New Atmometer. — Mr Anderson of Perth 
Has invented a new atmometer, for measuring the spontaneous 
evaporation from the surface of water, in any given time. This 
instrument is quite different from the atmometer described by 
Mr Anderson in the 2d volume of this Journal, and is free from 
all the objections to which these instruments, as they have been . 
hitherto constructed, are liable. We hope to be able to give 
an account of this invention in an early number. 
9. Singular Storm at Enghien. — In a very interesting work, 
entitled Journal of a Horticultural Tour , performed by a De- 
putation of the Horticultural Society of Scotland, and just pub- 
lished, we find the following account of a singular storm, which 
took place at Enghien, on the 12th September 1817. “A 
dense black cloud was seen advancing from the east, and as this 
cloud developed itself and increased in magnitude, one half 
of the horizon became shrouded in darkness, enlivened only 
by occasional flashes of forked lightning, while the other half of 
the horizon remained clear, with the sun shining bright. As the 
black cloud approached, the sun’s rays tinged it of a dull copper 
colour, and the reflected light caused all the streets and houses to 
assume the same lurid and metallic hue *. A sort of whirlwind 
which even raised the small gravel from the streets, and dashed 
it against the windows, preceded the rain, which fell in heavy 
drops, but lasted only a short time. The sun now became ob- 
scured, and day converted into night.” The Deputation were 
at the house of M. Parmentier during the storm, and so great 
was the darkness, that they were obliged to use candle light in 
examining some valuable continental publications connected with 
botany and horticulture, which were shewn to them by M. Par- 
mentier. — Horticultural Tour , p. 329, 330. 
10. Enormous Fall of Rain in the Tropics . — The following 
singular and almost incredible statement, is given in Professor 
Silliman’s American Journal of Science, vol. iv. p. 375, on the 
authority of a letter from M. Roussin, captain of a vessel, dated 
Cayenne, 28th February 1820. “ You will perhaps learn 
* Mr Neill informs us, that this effect was so remarkable, that every, thing 
had the same appearance as if it had been made of copper. Ed, 
