ON TIIE QUANTITIES OF RAIN AT YORK. 
177 
in passing downwards, is in strict conformity with these re¬ 
sults*. 
Secondly. It appears to indicate that the air very near the 
ground is much more highly charged with vapour than that at 
moderate heights, so that the moisture of the air would seem to 
follow a very different law of distribution from that of mean 
temperature, the dew-point approximating to or meeting the 
mean temperature on the ground, and at one or more variable 
heights above it. As far as a few observations can be relied on, 
this effect does obtain to the height of 25 feet in the day during 
summer. 
Experiment July 9, 1835.—In a garden where rain had fallen 
last night. Three thermometers (A dry, B and C wetted). 
Cloudy day, but sun partially appearing; 10 a.m. 
A. 
B. 
S'. 
C. 
1 inch from ground, gravel walk 
30 inches above . 
150 inches above . . 
270 inches .... 
O 
62-5 
62-4 
62- 3 
63- 5 
63- 3 
64- 1 
O 
2-6 
M 
M 
5-6 
59-9 
58*5 
58-2 
58-9 
58-5 
58*5 
O 
3-5 
|4-95 j 
j-5*55 
6*G 
59-0 
57*5 
57-3 
57-9 
57*8 
57-5 
On the same day I ascended the Minster with Mr. William 
Gray, and found with other thermometers. 
A. 
B. 
4 feet high before ascending . . 
80 feet high . .. 
200 feet high (dew-point 52°) . . 
Ground (2 inches above) after descending 
O 
61- 5 
Gl*5 
Gl-4 
64-3 
63-6 
62- 5 
620 
62-1 
O 
- 
Ug-7 
58-3 \ 
57-3 / 
56-5 ) 
56-4 / 
57*55 
O 
4*8 
5*6 
5*8 
4*55 
Rain fell immediately afterwards, while the dew-point = 52° 
and air 62°. 
Thirdly. We may be sure that by the continuation of experi¬ 
ments in well-selected situations, the influence of the variation 
of climate,—both with relation to mean temperature, moisture, 
the general aspect and surface of a country,—may be determined. 
As far as can be seen at present, it appears probable that the 
* Mr. Howard's view ef ail indefinite raining space is less applicable. 
1835. n 
