ing the phenomena of a day's observations. He considered such study as exerting a moral as well as educational influence; it teaches the pupils to observe with accuracy and gives them habits of regularity in the performance of duties, as such observations, to be of any value, must be taken at definite times, and a careful record of them must be kept. He thought the schools should be furnished with some instruments for taking such observations. Mr. Chase moved a vote of thanks to the Forecast Official for his instructive and valuable paper, which was passed unanimously. In reply to a question from a lady, Mr. Smith said that more than eighty per cent of the storms visiting the United States pass either a little north or a little south of us, or directly over us. The northern edge of the Gulf Stream is the point of least resistance, and doubtless contributes its influence to concentrate storms over New England. O. B. Hadwen said that on very pleasant days, when a warm breeze is blowing, many weather-wise persons will say: "This is a regular weather-breeder," and asked what is the reason for such a remark. Mr. Smith replied that southerly winds, which bring those warm, fine days, spring up just as a storm is approaching. It is a mere coincidence. A warm south wind, apparently from the Gulf of Mexico, generally indicates the near approach of a storm. Mr. Hadwen said that farmers are generally quite close observers of the weather. He could tell very certainly what the weather would be through the day, and sometimes for the next day. A predicted change would at times occur in the night. He remembered some persons who were experts at foretelling the weather. Sometimes coincident circumstances, occurring repeatedly, would be regarded as inevitably connected. He cited an instance: a certain hay-field was never mowed over but that the hay was wet down by a shower, and the neighbors generally mowed little on the day the grass on that field was cut, in view of the usual rainfall the next day. Mr. Smith said that local prognostics are often very accurate, but not readily explainable. Others may be shown to have close connection with the coming change. A red sunset shows that the air is well filled with moisture, which will generally form a heavy dew during the night. But a red sunrise shows that the water is still in the atmosphere, and it is liable to produce a shower, and perhaps form the beginning of a longer rainfall. The flying of bats is an indication of pleasant weather the next day. Probably other animals are affected. President Spooner spoke of the white frost on the sash of a cold frame in the morning being followed by a storm within twentyfour hours. Oliver R. Robbins recollected two instances when the ground was frozen, yet tender vegetation escaped injury. The first occurred June 1, 1884. The ground was frozen half an inch deep; he had beans growing at that time. and they were not injured. There was no dew that night - or rather morning. The next case was on the morning of October 12, 1891, when ice, onesixteenth of an inch thick, was formed on a shallow pool of water near the house, but no damage was done, even to the tenderest vegetation. Mr. Robbins also stated that on the 11th of September, 1885, he found the leaves of plants were completely coated with ice, yet they all escaped injury. He asked what reason could be given for such exceptions to a general rule. Mr. Smith could not account for these facts. Mr. Chase cited the flight of swallows, old dogs' rheumatism, and the activity of earth-worms as portents of approaching rain. He had found the earth-worms very interesting; they can be tamed, and he had learned that they have preferences in food. President Spooner inquired what they preferred, and how they ate their food. Mr. Chase had learned that worms greatly enjoy lettuce, among vegetable foods, and raw beef-steak of the animal list. They have no regular mandibles, but secrete an acid which quickly dissolves meat, when they can easily take it. They can take some things undissolved, and have a stomach which contains a grinding appliance for reducing such material. This part of their digestive apparatus is in the ring, sometimes called the "knot," in their bodies. He thinks they live a long time; he has some that are three years old. A lady asked Mr. Smith if the wind, as he had said, blows towards the storm, why it does not blow the storm away. Mr. Smith replied that heat expands the air. This renders it relatively lighter, and it is forced upward by the denser air all around, which rushes in to take its place and restore the equilibrium. A storm has a general movement towards the northeast, in common with the whole volume of the atmosphere. He thought the temperature of the month of March had been low, but not much below the normal average. Great attention is now paid to the weather by cultivators of the soil, as well as by others. Forecast officials do sometimes make mistakes, and these are sure to be noticed and criticised by all classes. Mr. Chase remarked that as this was the last of the meetings for discussion this season, and the series had proved so interesting and profitable—indeed, he considered these meetings the most important means of promoting the objects of the Society - he thought the members of the Society should manifest their appreciation by a vote of thanks to the Committee on Discussions, who had so ably and successfully arranged the programme for the meetings this year. He therefore moved that such action be taken, which, being promptly seconded, was unanimously adopted. BUSINESS MEETING, January 2, 1892; Address of President Spooner, pp. 5-10; Vote to print, 10; Annual Report of Committee on Window Gar- dening read, 11; Appropriations for 1892 voted, 11; Communications from World's Columbian Exposition read, and Committee appointed, 11; Election of Members, 12; Election of Honorary and Corresponding BUSINESS MEETING, January 9; Vote to print List of Large or Interesting MEETING FOR DISCUSSION; Soil and Irrigation of Egypt, by Hon. John E. BUSINESS MEETING, January 16; Proposals of Members, p. 27; Acknowl- MEETING FOR DISCUSSION; The New Orcharding, by Dr. Thomas Hoskins, 21-26 29-33 MEETING FOR DISCUSSION; Irrigation with Fresh Sewage, by Henry J. 62-71 100-102 BUSINESS MEETING, January 23; Report of Committee on Plants read, MEETING FOR DISCUSSION; Road-making and Maintenance, by Henry Irwin, BUSINESS MEETING, February 13; Committee on Resignation of Chairman MEETING FOR DISCUSSION; Fungous Diseases and their Remedies, by Prof. BUSINESS MEETING, February 27; Proposal of Member, p. 129; Vote to appoint Committee on Window Gardening, MEETING FOR DISCUSSION; Arbor Day in Schools, by B. G. Northrop, pp. |