however, it may fairly be questioned whether he would have had more enjoyment in himself, and have been of more use to society in the capacity of a manufacturer, his probable destination, than in that which was allotted to him. By the liberality of his father, he had the benefit of a good classical and mathematical education; and, naturally possessing great powers of mind, he bent them chiefly to the study of the physical and mechanical sciences. There For are few branches of science in which he did not either excel, or of which he had not a competent knowledge; astronomy, optics, pneumatics, chemistry, natural history in general, and botany in particular, may be mentioned. about eight years during my residence in Kendal, we were intimately acquainted; Mr. GOUGH WAS as much gratified with imparting his stores of science, as I was in receiving them my use to him was chiefly in reading, writing, and making calculations and diagrams; and in participating with him in the pleasure resulting from successful investigations but, as Mr. GOUGH was above receiving any pecuniary recompense, the balance of advantage was greatly in my : favour; and I am glad of having this opportunity of acknowledging it. It was he who first set the example of keeping a meteorological journal at Kendal. Manchester, June 20th, 1834. CONTENTS. Account of the quantity of Rain that fell at Kendal and Keswick, for five years, and at London for three years SECT. 5. Observations on the height of the clouds. . . . . . .... SECT. 8. Account of the first and last appearance of Snow, and Keswick for five years.. SECT. 11. On Magnetism, and the Variation of the Needle ADDENDA to the Observations on the Aurora Boreales.. . . . . ESSAY 4. On the Relation between Heat and other Bodies ESSAY 6. On Evaporation, Rain, Hail, Snow and Dew... 125 ESSAY 7. On the Relation between the Barometer and Rain 138 ESSAY 8. On the Aurora Borealis.-Introduction... . . ... 144 SECT. 1. Mathematical Propositions necessary for illus- OBSERVATIONS AND ESSAYS. PART I. OBSERVATIONS. SECTION FIRST. Of the Barometer. THE barometer, or common weather-glass, consists of a straight glass tube, above 31 inches long, and open at one end, that has been filled with quicksilver, and afterwards inverted into a basin of the same fluid, by applying a finger to the open end, so as to exclude all air from entering the tube; in this case, the finger being withdrawn, and the tube erected, the quicksilver leaves the top of it, and sinks so as to stand at the height of about 29 or 30 inches above the surface of that in the basin; it is then applied to a frame, with a scale graduated B |