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Perry, at Toronto, during the greater part of the intervening time; and, therefore, beg further time for that purpose. Respectfully submitted,

Montreal, 31st March, 1856.

Jos. T. DUTTON.

The report was received and adopted; and the Committee allowed until next ordinary meeting to draw up their report.

The following donations were received, and the thanks of the Society ordered to be conveyed to the respective donors:-from Dr. Kingdom, R. C. Rifles, three volumes of Reports, embracing the Meteorology of the United States, from 1826 to 1842 inclusive. From W. Woodwork, Esq, of St. Eustache, two curious specimens

of Indian corn.

Dr. Barnston read the following report:

Report of the Sub-Committee authorised by the Committee appointed by the Council of the Natural History Society of Montreal, at a special meeting held 19th March, 1856, to examine the Meteorological Observatory of Charles Smallwood, M. D., at St. Martin, Isle Jesus, C.E. and to report thereon.

On Tuesday, March 25th, the Committee, consisting of the Vice-Presidents, Drs. Workman and Hingston, Mr. Rennie, and Dr. Barnston, assembled at the Councilroom of the Natural History Society, and left town at half past three in the afternoon, in company with a few other gentlemen interested in the promotion of Meteorological science. After a somewhat perilous journey over bad roads, they arrived safely in the village of St Martin, where they were received by Dr Smallwood, who shewed every attention to his visitors, and exhibited the whole apparatus connected with his Observatory, at the same time explaining the nature and uses of each instrument. From the information derived through his kindness, the Sub-Committee are enabled to furnish the Society with the following details, which are by no means so minute and extended as they could desire.

The Observatory is situated in the village of St. Martin, on the Isle Jesus, about nine miles due west of Montreal, in lat. 45° 32′ N. and long. 73° 36′ W., or 4 h. 54 m. 20 s. in time from Greenwich. It is a small square wooden building, conveniently situated in an open space, a few yards N. W. of his dwelling house. It is placed in the magnetic meridian, and its roof is furnished with a sliding shutter, which, when opened, enables him to obtain observations of stars as they pass the meridian, for which purpose a small transit instrument is used. The apparatus to be seen within the building may be described as follows:

Of the Barometers there are-1. A Newman's standard, the brass scale of which extends from the cistern to the top of the tube. The tube itself is 0.6 of an inch in diameter internally, and is so contrived that its oscillations can be taken by photography;-2. A standard by Negretti and Zambe; and-3. Another instrument with a smaller tube. The cistern of the barometer is 118 feet above the level of the sea.

The Thermometers consist of Rutherford & Lixes' self-registering-a standard thermometer where the reading coincides with that existing at the Kcw Observatory. There is likewise a wet bulb thermometer (or psy chromatic) from which are deduced the temperature of the dew point, the elastic force and weight of aqueous vapour, and the humidity of the atmosphere.

The observatory also possesses an instrument for registering the intensity of the solar rays, and another for terrestrial radiation-the latter being furnished with a parabolic speculum, possessing 100 inch focus.

E*

The Anemoscope is self-registering, and shews the direction of the wind; while the Anemometer records constantly its velocity in miles. The latter instrument is simple and novel in construction, and furnishes results which coincide with those in use at Toronto, Liverpool, and other places. Attached to it is a self-registering Rain-guage, which shews the commencement and the termination of each fall of rain and the amount in tenths of an inch.

The Snow-guage presents a surface of two hundred square inches, while there is an Evaporator, with a surface of fifty inches.

Among other instruments may be mentioned those:-1. For ascertaining the amount of dew; 2. For measuring the amount of water in a given quantity of snow; and 3. For the measurement of the degree of evaporation from the surface of ice.

The quantity of Ozone is registered by the methods adopted by Schombien and Moffat.

Without the building, is the apparatus for the investigation of atmospheric electricity, consisting of a long pole, 70 feet high, furnished with a slide or groove, by means of which is hoisted an apparatus to which is attached a collecting lantern. This is supplied with two lamps which are kept constantly burning in order to secure insulation. The electricity thus collected is conveyed by copper wires to a conductor within the observatory, where it is connected with a variety of electrometres and other contrivances by which is precisely ascertained the intensity and kind.

Investigations are also made on the formation and varied shapes of snow-crystals, of which copies were exhibited as obtained by the Chromotype process, which is intended to be likewise applied to the self-registration of the Barometer and Thermometer.

The fixed hours of observation daily are, 6 and 7, A. M., and 2, 9 and 10, P. M. Extra hours are often requisite, and indeed hourly and minute observations are sometimes necessary.

It may be also mentioned that Dr. Smallwood invariably records observations upon storms, the aurora borealis, meteors, and other phenomena, while notice is taken regularly of the periodic appearance of animals, birds, &c., as well as the time of the leafing and flowering of plants.

Such then is but a short description of the apparatus by means of which Dr. Smallwood has for many years sedulously carried out his valuable Meteorological observations. The whole has been constructed at his own expense; and while many of the instruments bespeak their own cost, there are not a few contrived by himself, which exhibit a vast amount of ingenuity, combined with simplicity and economy. Not to speak of the outlay necessary to complete such a series of apparatus for standard observations, the greatest credit is due to Dr. Smallwood for the indefatigable manner in which he has laboured for years in the cause of Meteorological Science-unassisted by Government patronage, and unrecognised, even to the present day, by any Scientific Society or Institution. His observations extend so far back as the year 1841. Year by year he has varied and extended his investigations by means of gradual additions and new contrivances, until at the present time, in spite of all difficulties and the shameful short-coming, on the part of those Authorities, Societies and Institutions, which should have extended to him the right hand of support and recognition, it may be asserted, we believe, without contradiction, that he possesses the simplest and most ingenious

series of apparatus for Meteorological Observations in the Province; nor can it be denied that, although the records of his investigations are still confined to manuscript, he has already, by example as well as by occasional publications of part of his labours, done much to advance the cause of Meteorology in Canada.

The Sub-Committee notice with pleasure the munificence of the Provincial Government in providing the Upper Province with the means for the establishment of several efficient stations for Meteorological purposes, and why should the valuable records of unquestionably the first Meteorologist in Lower Canada, extending fifteen years back, be dormant and unseen? It is for this Societycoming, as it does, within her legitimate province-to answer this question; and if the Provincial Government is likely to omit an acknowledgment, which it owes to a private individual, or to neglect an equally important duty to Lower Canada; in other and plainer words, to sacrifice it to the interests of its more favored sister Province, the Sub-Committee have no reserve in urging upon this Society, most respectfully but most strenuously, the necessity of taking the subject into immediate consideration, and of adopting such measures as will most speedily bring to light the valuable but still hidden records of Dr. Smallwood's extended experience, and recommending at the same time the provision of such ample means as will enable him to carry out more effectually those observations which will, no doubt, ultimately and under more favorable circumstances, lead to important results--creditable alike to Science and its votary, and beneficial to the general welfare of the public.

Montreal, March 31st, 1856.

W. H. HINGSTON, M. D.,
JAMES BARNSTON, M. D.

On motion of Rev. A. D. Campbell, seconded by Ass't Com. Gen. Ibbetson, it was resolved that the Report of the Sub-Committee of the Council appointed to report on the recent visit of a deputation to Dr. Smallwood's Meteorological Observatory, be adopted and be referred to the Council, with full power to found a petition thereon, to the Houses of Legislature, now in session, for a supplementary grant in aid of Dr. Smallwood's efforts; for the establishment of a Provincial Observarory in Montreal or its neighbourhood; and for the general advancement of Meteorological Science in Lower Canada.

The meeting then proceeded to ballot for members, when the following were elected :

As Corresponding Members:-Hon. G. E. Cartier, Hon. F. Lemieux, and A. Brunel, Esq., of Toronto, and Rev. W. Brethour, M. A, of Ormstown.

As Ordinary Members :-Rev. Professor Thomson, M. A., of Lennoxville; Rev Canon Gilson, M. A.; Deputy Com. Gen. Clarke, and John W. Haldimand, Esq., of Montreal.

L. A. H. Latour, Esq., intimated that he was about to publish, in three volumes, a Manual of Dates, in form of Chronology, or encyclopedical repertory of the most important historical dates. This work he proposed to dedicate to the Members of the Natural History Society.

A. N. RENNIE,
Secretary.

MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER, AT THE PROVINCIAL MAĠNETICAL OBSERVATORY, TORONTO, CANADA WEST-APRÍL, 1836.

Latitude-43 deg. 39.4 min. North. Longitude-79 deg. 21 min. West. Elevation above Lake Ontario, 108 feet.

Barom. at temp. of 32°.

Temp of the Air.

Mean Temp. +or

Tens, of Vapour. Humidity of Air. Direction of Wind.

Velocity of Wind.

6 A

30.061 29-965 29.871 29-9607

.205

29.630 +423 .294 4313 236

2 P. M. 10P.M. MEAN 6A.M2 P.M 10PM ME'N Av'age. A.M P.M P.M M'N A. M P. MP. M 15.1 35.2 28.7 27.5530.9 355 37-3 34.92

of the 6 2 10

6

2 10 M'N 6 A. M.

2 P. M. 10 P.M.

Mean Direction.

6 A.M 2 P.M 10PM ME'N

Rain

in Inches.

in Inches.

Snow

3.68.072.148.132.124.80.72 .83 1.72.143.184.201.172.82.89.91

298 -2503

.348

.461

585

.4737

2.88.178.169.150.163.89

.78.80

.605

•632 .660

•6355

36.036.72

1.00.155.172.165.165.89.65.79

.650

.620

31.9 44.7

.159.191

89.66

0.8 4.8 6.2 6.2 37.3 40.8 35.9 37.95 + 0.93.194.193.195.196.87.76.92.86 SbE SW b S 0.2 11.6 82 W NW NNW WbN N 43 W 5.2 5.5 66 34.8 36.6 32.8 34-45 1.8 76 NWbNNWьWNW bWN 39 W 11.2 10.2 31-2 42.0 0.2

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

35.9 49.7 36.6

12 .174 •168

.600

.3250

40.2 39.930-9

40.92 + 2.50.201.163.160.171.96.46.74.69 30-9 53.7 39-0 41.72 + 3.00.152.200.161.169.88 .50 .68 .66 37.0 57.0 39.1 45.07 +603.167.258.183.206.77 57 -77.69 31.6 42.1 32.8 35.75 30.9 48.339.9 39-58 36.67

N W

SbW

Calm.

W 45 S

3.0 4.2

00 1.19

Calm.

S

ESE

E 30 S

0.0

3.8 0.4 2.37

Calm.

SW

NWbN W 36 N

0.0

16.0 14.1 11.89 Inap

3.67.111.146.133.129.63

5571.61

N W

Sb W

Calm,

W 22 N12.2

7.4

0.15.137.218.165.172 79.66.67 71 2.17.235.202.143.183

Calm.

SSE

EbS

E 32 S

0.0

1.7

0.0 4.42 2.17 3.0

.230

95.83.82 83

Calm.

N

N

N 6 W

0.0

13.4 15.0 13.21

.545

13

.909

.924

23.934-8

060-090

.46.45

NbE

Sb W

W NW

S 45 W

4.5

9.8 1.2

5.35

14 .781

580

.525

.6023

33.2 39.8 36.3

36.58

4.15.167.158.155.161.88.65.73

75

SSW

SEbS

Eb S

S2W

6.0

2.4 0.5

1.44 Inap Inp

15

.545

•478

.487 •5008

37-7 38.9 41.6 39.95

1.10.159.2.4 216 205.71.95.83

83

Calm.

E

E

EIN

0.0 21.0 19.2

15.4

.705

16

.484 .475

.535

.4965

39-251-2 41.8

44.15 + 2.67.211.288-238-249.89.78.91

87

S Eb E ENE

Calm.

E 6 N

12.5 9.8 0.0

6.011

17 .524 .4211

369

4265

42.7 50.6 40.9

46.27+ 4.52-230-314-235-257.84

86

93

82

SWbS SbW

SbW

W9S

0.5

1.9

0.4

1.82

.015

18

.307 •354 •483

3907

40-254-145.5

[blocks in formation]

41.8 46.9 41.7

46.03 + 3.97.216-263-219-244.88.64 44.20+ 1.85.240.189.097-183.92.59

83

80

Calm, S WbSW W

W 25 S

0.0

4.0

0.9

3.841 .115

32

64

NNW SELE N

N 23 E

0.6

6.0 23.0

8.911

32.7 44.9

.138.173

74.58

NbE N

N

N7E

12.8 21.5 9.5 14.16

[blocks in formation]

43.35 + 0.25.196.191.290 227.85 .69.90 81 6.15.208.219.175.202 98.88.82 2.45.164.246.204.209.89.65

NE NEBNNEb N

N 18 E

9.8

91

NbW

SbW

Calm.

E 44 S

3.5

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Calm.

ESE

Calm.

E 6S

0.0 1.0

0.0 2.6

.604

5355

40.446.7

25 -742 .788

856

.7983

46.0 61.6

42.9 44.2

43.55

26 .848 .765 •678

7580

45.2 60.0 50.6

0.45-216-262.244.235.87.83.90.83 52.02 + 7.62-218-290.238.251.71.53.84 1.66 52.58 + 7.88.218-297.301.269.73.59.83.69

Calm.

SEBENWbW N 2 W

0.0

0.2

1.0 3.4 .035

NbW

SSE

ESE

E 9 N

4.5

4.0

0.7 2.97

NbE

ESE

N

E 4S

5.0

7.7

2.0 4.67

27 .674 •518

48.8 63.5

-273-346

.80.61

E

E

Calm.

S 20 E

4.9

8.2

0.0

2.28

.025

28 .493 .401 .449

4610

53.1 65.0

61.0

29

.580 •586

701

-6283

47.7 61-745.8

30

.789 .852 .839 .8468

59.83+14 43.329.253.220.271.83.42.42.56 53.10 + 7.37.233-322.215.249.72.60 46.8 50.5 45.9 47.75 + 1.70.217.219.206.212.70.61.68.65

[blocks in formation]

17.0 10.04

0.0 8.6 5.0 7.76

E7N

8.8 11.5 10.6 14.24

M 29-5926 29.5589 29.5867 29.5790 37.57 47.81 40.53 42.27 + 1.28.191.223.195.203.83.68

77.75

N 25 ES 33 E

N 21 E

N 29 E

3.74 7.59 5.19 6.052.780 0.1

REMARKS ON TORONTO METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER FOR APRIL.

[blocks in formation]

Coldest day.

28th

1st

[blocks in formation]

10th-Halo round moon (diameter, 46°) at 11h. 45m., p. n.

12th-First Thunder and Lightning of the Season.

13th-Halo round the Moon at 10, p. m., (very perfect).

15th-Thunderstorm, vivid lightning and heavy rain, from 10 p. m. 16th-Frogs first heard.

19th-Halo round Moon, at midnight.

5°3 from p. m. of 2nd to a. m. of 3rd.

19th-Ice disappeared from the Bay.

Mean temperature...

Difference = 32°28.

Mean temperature..

...

59°83 27°55

Greatest intensity of Solar Radiation 8594 at p. m. on 29th Monthly range= Lowest point of Terrestrial Radiation 6°5 at a. m. of 13th S 7899

Aurora observed on 4 nights, viz.: 8th, 22nd, 28th, and 29th; possible to see aurora on 18 nights; impossible to see aurora on 12 nights. Snowing on 3 days, depth 0.1 inch-snowing 2.5 hours. depth 2.780 inches-raining 62.6 hours.

Raining on 13 days,

Mean of cloudiness =0.60; most cloudy hour observed, 8 a. m, mean =0.71; least cloudy hour observed, midnight, mean,

23rd-Lunar Rainbow at 2 a. m., perfectly defined.

30th-Patches of drifted snow still remaining in the Ravine near the Observatory.

[blocks in formation]

0.47.

YEAR.

Dift. Max. Min.

Mean. from

obs'd.Jobs'd.

Sum of the Atmospheric Current, in miles, resolved into the four Cardinal

Aver.

Range.

Days'

Inch's.

Days.

Inch's.

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Most windy hour ...11 a, m. to Noon... Mean velocity 7.99

ditto.

23.2 47.7 10 2.6552 1.7 N 420 W

1850 37.9 -3.5

63.2

18.2 45.0

7 4.720

Least windy hour.

6 to 7 a. m....Mean velocity 4.35

ditto.

1851

41.3

-0.1

59.2

25.8 33.4

11 2.295

3

Mean diurnal variation

3.64 miles.

1852

38.2-3.2

53.S

19.8 34.0

6

1.990

4

1853

41.9+0.5

65.7

27.0 38.7

10 12-625

1854

41.0 -0.4.

65.1

22.3 42.8

12 2.685

1855

42.4 +1.0

63.8

12.2 51.6

8 2.030

2nd-First rain since 15th December, 1855.

1856

423 +0.9

69.8

15.154.7

13 2.780

-3

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7th-Butterflies first observed.

8th-Large and perfect Halo round Sun at 5h. 30m., p. m.

Mean

41.39

67.69 19.94 47.75 9.0 2.584

2.5 1.9

6.71 miles.

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