216 
LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. 
There are now several weather-prophets in the field, among whom we may 
mention Lieut. Morrison, of Cheltenham, Mr. G. Sugden, of Howden, and Mr. 
W. J. Simmonite, of Sheffield; but not one has commanded the attention be¬ 
stowed on Mr. Murphy, having, in fact, far inferior claims on the public. 
The belief appears to prevail very generally that Mr. Murphy was right but 
once last year, viz., on Jan. 20. This is incorrect; for there was not one remark¬ 
able error throughout the month. We have in our possession the actual weather 
as noticed at Campsall, and also at Cheltenham,* in juxtaposition with Mr. 
Murphy’s prognostications from January to December, 1838, but can discover 
no great success in any month save and except January. 
Many of our subscribers expressed surprize at our noticing Mr. Murphy last 
year, and probably their amazement will be considerably increased this season. 
Further, as soon as ever our author’s success became a little less visible, almost 
every publication fell off from his cause—amongst others, some which had been 
foremost in his praise, now turned round and abused the public for having ever 
patronised the u impostor’’! In 1838 we expressed our opinion that Mr. Murphy 
had arrived at some principle which enabled him, however imperfectly, to prophecy 
the state of the weather. That opinion remains unaltered in 1839 ; but when it 
is satisfactorily proved, by fair experiments, that such is not the case, we shall be 
the first candidly and freely to confess our error. We support that opinion not 
because it is ours, but it is ours because we conceive it to be founded on truth. 
Lastly, let it go forth into the world that 44 Id application de ce calendriere a 
virement inter esse M. Arago.” We need not add another word. Our exculpa¬ 
tion—supposing one required—is complete. 
LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. 
We have much pleasure in announcing that Mr. John Bohn, bookseller, of 17, 
Henrietta-Street, Covent-Garden, London, has on sale a copy of the late Col. 
Montagu’s 44 Ornithological Dictionary, or Alphabetical Synopsis of British 
Birds,” 3 vols., 8vo., calf-gilt, with 25 plates. We have hunted for years for a 
copy of this scarce, valuable, and most interesting work, in town and country, 
without success, until a kind friend presented us with it. Although we run the 
risk of being charged for an advertisement, we shall mention that the price is 
£3, 13s. 6d.—The 25th No. of the Entomological Magazine appeared in Novem- 
Recorded by Mr. Samuel Moss, in the Cheltenham Looker-On . 
