Abstract
THIS is an issue in map form of what the publishers term a “weather indicator,” to be obtained either in a sheet or mounted on rollers. The notes, tables, &c., have been compiled by Mr. W. Ballance, and the publishers suggest that the “weather indicator” will be found useful for schools, clubs, public libraries, hotels, boys' brigades, and boy scouts. The information given seems too elaborate, and might easily have been rendered more simple; it is not very scientific, but it probably aims to be chiefly of a popular character. Many of the so-called weather signs which are collated, especially those relating to the movements of animals, birds, and insects, have been handed down to us from the ancients, and are somewhat amusing. For country life, some quoted should undoubtedly receive attention, but the general belief in all would tend to much confusion. For town life many are altogether inapplicable. Such statements as “A white frost never lasts more than three days,” “Quick thaw foretells long frost,” “Hoar frost predicts rain,” are bold, but probably incorrect. The wind scale given is not in accordance with recent knowledge; the equivalent velocity in miles per hour, and equivalent wind pressure in pounds per square foot for the several units of the wind scale, are very different from those now generally accepted. To be told as a sign for fair weather the barometer should be steady, or rising about 0.004 inch per hour; for rain falling slowly about 0.004 inch per hour; for wind falling gradually about 0.004 inch per hour; for wind and ram falling moderately about 0.015 inch per hour; and for stormy weather falling or rising rapidly about 0.021 inch per hour is precision which meteorologists have no knowledge of, especially when most of our barometers only read to hundredths of an inch.
Weather Indicator.
Compiled and designed by Wm. Ballance. (London: G. Philip and Son, Ltd., n.d.) Price, in sheet form, 2s. 6d. mounted, &c., 3s. 6d.
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Weather Indicator . Nature 82, 126 (1909). https://doi.org/10.1038/082126a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/082126a0