The Star. TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1883.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4605, 30 January 1883, Page 2

The Star. TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1883.

Almost eveetonb, remarks the learned Seoretary to the Meteorological Council of England, imagines himself to be a born meteorologist, at least in bo far as everyone is perfectly ready to volunteer an opinion on the prospects of the day's weather. These popular prognostics are, for the most part, akin to the diofcum of Brjotne, who asserts that

" While rain depends, the pensive oat gives o'er

Her frolics, and pursues her tail no more."

Observations of this sort, however, are not depended upon by modern meteorologists, who, whilst readily admitting that the immediate practical use of their work is to enable them to foretell the weather, are painfully con joious that the study to which they are devoting themselves cannot yet be ranked amongst the exaot sciences. But tho immense importance of the eubjeot is a sufficient assurance that the difficulties with which it is beset will be overcome ; that no amount of study will be deemed too great, and no amount of patient work too arduous, by the now large numbers of weather scientists. To them, the ever-varying atmospheric phenomena present problems of absorbing interest, and facts that— if rightly read— are of incalculable value to mankind. Many of them, no doubt, study the subject from a purely scientific point of view. They take no thought for the weather of the morrow ; their purpose is to make themselves familiar with atmospherio conditions, in order that they may the better appreciate the earth's position in the solar system, and the more readily comprehend the possibilities of other planets. Yet, whatever may be the bent of mdiv dual minds, the daily observations which are now being taken, in all parts of the world, tend always to well-defined practical issues. The voluminous details are carefully collated, and their relative values are determined. Therefrom results a basis of facts which grows broader every year, and which will in time constitute the firm foundation of a Bcience approaching in exactness the exquisite precision of astronomy. Comparatively few people, we believe, have the remotest conception of what has already been accomplisked by the Meteorological Societies of England and America ; aud upon this subject we purpose to inform our readers in subsequent issues. Our object will be to make them acquainted with what is being done by the modern weather prophets in the countries mentioned, and to interest them in the modest but none thn lens valuable beginning which has been made jointly by Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. With that view we shall outline, in as simple terms as may be, the " weather rules " that hare so far been laid down. As the Star was the first journal in New Zealand to publish a systematic weather record, it is fitting that tho subject should be discussed in its

columua.

It baa been premised that meteorology does not yet rank amoDgst the exact sciences. If proof of (his were needed, it would only be necessary to refer to tbe extraordinary phenomena of last October, when a veritable oleotric storm swept over the earth " in atroDg waves," rendering telegraphic operations impossible in some districts, producing weather changes that baffled the most experienced observers, and causing brilliant auroral displays suoh as will not easily be forgotten. It will be remembered that during the period of that electric storm— it lasted for some days- thore were many meteors, and there was also a " spot " of extraordinary magnitude upon the sun. These things were enigmas ; but they only served to stimulate scientists everywhere, and to bring into closer communion tho astronomers and tbe meteorologists. It may yet be demonstrated — as is indeed already suspected — that meteors hare a dear intimation for the moterologist, and that the development of sun-spots will con* stitute for him an unerring indication of coming " weather."