and many of the great characters of the day. His picture of the Sybils, as well as several other of his works, are preserved in the College Hall of his native city, Aberdeen. Alexander, a pupil and brother-in-law to Jameson, was another artist of some note. To these succeeded the elder Scougal, whose style is said to bear a great resemblance to that of Sir Peter Lely. The younger Scougal was almost the only artist in Scotland during the period of the Revolution in 1688. After this period, two foreign artists settled in Scotland, under the patronage of the Duke of Queensberry. These were Nicholas Hude, formerly one of the directors of the French Academy, obliged to fly his country on the repeal of the edict of Nantz, and Sir John Medina, a native of Brussels, some of whose portraits are to be seen in the Hall of the College of Surgeons. After the Union several artists of some note appeared; Aikman, the friend of Allan Ramsay the poet; Alexander, a descendant of the Scottish Vandyke; Allan Ramsay, the son of the poet; Richard Wait and George Marshall, the latter a painter of stilllife; and James Norrie, a landscape painter. In 1753, two celebrated printers of Glasgow, Robert and Andrew Foulis, had the merit of establishing an academy for the fine arts in their native city, the first of the kind in Britain, for that in Somerset House was not commenced till several years after. This academy, however, as might have been expected, did not in those days receive that public support which alone could have rendered it permanent. It did some service, however, to the arts, during the few years in which it existed; but with the death of its patrons it decayed. John and Alexander Runciman learned the rudiments of their art from Pavilon, a Frenchman, who had settled in Edinburgh. These brothers afterwards went to Italy, where they farther studied their art, and there John died. Before his death, he is said to have destroyed the greater part of his paintings, with that sensitive feeling towards excellence which characterizes true genius. In 1771 the younger brother, Alexander, returned to Edinburgh; and in this year the board of trustees for the encouragement of manufactures having established an academy of painting, Runciman was appointed master, De la Cour and Pavilon having preceded him in that situation. Contemporary with the Runcimans was Jacob More, a landscape painter of considerable talent, who died in London, in 1793. Brown, Nasmyth, Gavin Hamilton, and David Allan, also flourished at the same period. In 1785, on the death of Runciman, David Allan succeeded to the superintendence of the Trustees' Academy, and continued there till his death in 1797. The next master was Mr John Graham, who was selected, from the merit of his paintings, out of nine or ten other competitors, to fill this office. At this time, the trustees procured for the academy a set of casts from antique statues; and Mr Graham proved an intelligent and enthusiastic instructor. Among his pupils were Sir David Wilkie, Sir William Allan, Patrick Gibson, David Thomson, Alexander Frazer, William Sheriff; William Lizars and John Burnett, engravers; and William Scoular, sculptor. As a portrait painter, the late Sir Henry Raeburn was almost unrivalled, and most successful in his art. In boldness and breadth of colouring, in ease and graceful attitude, and in fidelity to nature, he much resembled Sir Joshua Reynolds. The portraits of the late president of the Scottish Academy, Mr George Watson, were also of a superior order. The landscapes of the Rev. Mr Thomson of Duddingston have all the charms of the best masters; and those of the late Mr A. Nasmyth, in a different style, possess much excellence. In watercolour landscapes H. H. Williams, commonly called Grecian Williams, was unrivalled. On the death of Mr Graham, Mr Andrew Wilson was appointed master of the academy; to him succeeded Sir William Allan; and on his retirement Mr J. Duncan filled the situation till his untimely death in 1845. During the last century various attempts were made to form an association of artists in Edinburgh, but without much success. In the year 1729, an association of artists was formed under the title of the Edinburgh School of St Luke, but it did not long flourish. In 1808, a few of the most talented artists clubbed their paintings together, and got up an exhibition. This so far succeeded, and was repeated for a few years. On several occasions, exhibitions were got up by individual artists, and all these tended to foster in the public a growing taste for art. At length, in 1818, a number of noblemen and gentlemen combined to form an association for the encouragement of the fine arts in Scotland,-a considerable sum was subscribed in shares. The first exhibition of this association opened, in the spring of 1819, with a collection of ancient pictures. In 1822, the building called the Royal Institution was commenced by the Board of Trustees, and after its completion, exhibitions of modern paintings were annually held, in the splendid halls of that edifice. To these exhibitions the profession generally were invited to contribute their pictures, the free proceeds of which were to be set apart as a fund for the widows and families of artists. In 1827, the association was incorporated by royal charter, under the denomination of the Royal Institution for the encouragement of the Fine Arts in Scotland, but no professional artists were included, either as members or associates. For several years the Institution continued to exhibit the works of living artists-an art library was formed, and the success of the exhibitions was considerable. In consequence, however, of a feeling among the artists that they were too much, or rather entirely, excluded from the practical management of the affairs of the Institution, a secession took place, and a new association of artists was formed in 1826, and a rival exhibition opened in the Waterloo Rooms, in 1827. For some years two separate exhibitions of modern paintings took place, till at last the remaining artists left the Institution in 1829, and joined their brethren. In 1838 this body obtained a charter, under the name of the Royal Scottish Academy of Painting and Sculpture. ates. The Royal Institution still exists as a corporation, but it has ceased to have any active duties. It receives an annual sum of L.500 from the Board of Trustees, but this is nominal also, the greater part being paid back to the Trustees, as rent of the premises in the Institution. In 1835 the Royal Institution paid up to the Scottish Academy the sum of L.430, the amount of free balance of the proceeds appropriated to the Artists' Widow's Fund, together with an additional sum of L.100. The art library the Institution retains as its property, but the members of the Scottish Academy have free access to it. The Scottish Academy consists at present of thirty members, five honorary members, and fourteen associIts affairs are conducted by a president, council, and secretary. Besides some valuable pictures and engravings which it possesses, it supports a school for the study of the living model, and has an accumulated fund of from L.5000 to L.6000 for pensions to members and their widows. Among its members it boasts of some of the most esteemed artists of the day. As historical painters, Sir William Allan, Harvey, Lauder, Simson, Scott, Bonar, Shiels. As portrait painters, Watson Gordon, Colvin Smith, Francis Grant, Smellie, Watson, and several others. In landscape, Macculloch, Simson, Hill, Giles, Williams, &c. In sculpture Steel, Joseph Macdonald. In architecture, Hamilton. Nor are many names among its associates less celebrated, as Frazer, Dyce, Eckford, Lauder, Wilson, Macleay, &c. The annual exhibitions of the Academy have been most successful, and afford a pleasing and instructive entertainment to crowds of visitors. With great good feeling and judgment, the Academy has now also thrown open its exhibition, at such hours and on such terms as make it available to the mass of the population, and thus afford an incalculable advantage to the onward progress of ameliorating the habits and refining the tastes of the Since its origin in 1834, not less than from forty to great mass of society. As connected with the prosperity of art in Scotland, the Association for the Promotion of the Fine Arts, projected in 1834, well deserves attention. The nature of this association is well known, and indeed it has formed a model for many others throughout Britain. DOMESTIC COALS.-Man being a cooking, clothes-wearing, fireusing animal, besides an employer of many other nick-nackets that it never enters into the head of other animals to employ, he of course wants something every hour, and almost every minute of the day. Beast and bird, after they have satisfied their simple appetites, have leisure to play or sleep, and they take, with unconcern, the weather and the seasons as they come: they seem happy with the bright sky, the sun, and shade; nor do they grumble about the dripping showers, the cold wind, or the keen frosty air. Man, however, must be rolled in his blankets, or in his silks or furs,-must have his coal-fire, his carpetted rooms,-his roast beef and his spiced draughts, or his iced-cream or lemonade. We propose from time to time, to give some hints on domestic economy,-not, however, so much the economy of the luxurious, as that sort of statistics which may be useful to people in general; and at this particular season of winter, we cannot do better than begin with that universal necessary in a northern climate, Coals. These vary much according to the pits from whence they are dug, but are generally divided into three kinds. 1. Caking coals, containing a large proportion of bitumen, which melting with heat, runs into a mass, and burns with a bright glowing heat, leaving a cinder or cake, which is composed of charcoal and a small quantity of earthy ash, generally tinged red with iron. Coals of this description are found in the extensive pits of Northumberland and Durham, as also in Wales. They are called Newcastle or English coals in Scotland, and are those generally used in all the districts of Scotland north of the Tay, the boundary of the Scottish coal fields. 2. Open burning, or non-caking coals,-the cherry coal of Shropshire, the common Scotch coal. These have less bitumen than the English coals, do not run into a cake, and burn with much flame, leaving no coke, but a copious white or red ash. Cannel coal is a variety, containing a large proportion of inflammable gas. 3. Anthracite: this is a dull heavy burning coal, composed chiefly of carbon, with very little bitumen or gas. It is only fit for the stove, and is found in the lower beds of the Welsh fields. Scotch coal is in general use in all the middle and southern districts of Scotland; that is, in all those situations within a convenient carriage of the pits from whence it is obtained. Habit has rendered its use the most agreeable to the population within those districts; but it, in fact, possesses disadvantages which the English coal has not. It is not so lasting. A ton of English coals lasts at least a ton and a-half of Scotch. It burns away at once, leaving no coke, but a considerable quantity of white or brown dust, which is very unpleasant in apartments. For certain kinds of culinary use it is less adapted than the bright red coke of a half-burned English coal fire. It must be allowed, however, that the best qualities of Scotch coal make a very cheerful and powerful winter fire, and that the disadvantages are attachable chiefly to the inferior sort. We are not exactly aware of the comparative expense of working the Scotch and English coal mines, but we should suppose that many of the English mines, being deeper than the Scotch, would thus be more expensive in working. The risk attending the English mines is certainly greater than the Scotch, as in the latter there is little or none of that fire-damp so precarious in the former. On the supposition that collier's wages should be cheaper in Scotland fifty thousand pounds have been collected, and the greater part expended in the purchase of paintings, and in the production and dissemination of engravings. This association has done more to stimulate artists, as well as to diffuse a taste for art, than all the patronage of the great and wealthy for the last five hundred years. 12 11 10 5 16 515 514 2 Cartage to Edinburgh, 1 67 1 6 1 6 1 61 14 5411 11 17 1116 1115 84 To the above prices is to be added the coal agent's commission, making the English coals 18s. and 19s. per ton; the Scotch 12/6 and 13/6. At these prices the English coals, in consequence of their lasting one-half longer, are on the whole the most economical as well as pleasant to use. Some years ago the prices of Scotch coals were even higher than the prices here quoted; the consequence was that a great number of families took to consuming English coals, until the price of the Scotch fell to from 8s. to 10/6 per ton. The following will afford an example of the relative durabilities of the two kinds of coal: The supply of two fires, from 10th October 1844, to 10th January 1845, required 3 tons Scotch coals. The supply of two fires, from 10th October 1845, to 10th January 1846, required 2 tons English coals. Scotch coals, therefore, can only be more economical than English when their price does not exceed 10s. to 11s. per ton. Lighting a Fire." To do this methodically a basket should be provided with a separate assortment of paper and wood shavings. If the paper is put on the bottom of the grate, as is frequently done, and the wood is in two large pieces, the iron of the grate abstracts the heat so much from the flame, that it will not have strength to kindle the wood. The better way is to have some choice pieces of inflammable coal, and to lay a few pieces first on the bottom bars, but without covering them entirely, then lay on the paper or shavings, then the wood, and on that some pieces of round coal, but no small coal, when the whole is kindled let it burn up before any more coal is added. (Some use kindling balls made of a composition of pitch and saw-dusts, these may be purchased for a small sum, and one is sufficient to light up a fire in a few minutes.)" Open fires diffuse their warmth by radiating heat. We should, therefore, prevent the front of the fire from being clogged with unburnt coals while the combustion is going on in the centre; the front should be of a glowing red, since that is the condition in which the fire throws out most radiant heat. To promote this, brick-balls are sometimes put into the centre of the fire, but they require some management, as they are apt to choke up the centre, and exclude air. Fires are stronger when they burn against brick, than when iron is used. POETRY. Poems by THOMAS HOOD. 2 Vols.--THE STAR OF ATTEGHEI, &c. By FRANCES BROWN. In these prosaic days it is something to meet with genuine poetry, and in the above volumes we are confident our readers will find sentiments pure and elevating, and such as will awaken old feeling and dispose the mind to the spiritual act of appreciating beauty. Thomas Hood lives in the world's eye too much as a punster, and painfully conscious of this, the collection of his serious poems was made at his dying request. Frances Brown is a blind poetess, and perhaps the best female poet now living. A brief but touching autobiography is given in her preface, which want of space compels us to postpone. Meanwhile we select a flower from each of the vases. A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW. BY T. HOOD. Он, when I was a tiny boy A hoop was an eternal round Of pleasure. In those days I found And careful thoughts the string! My marbles once my bag was stor❜d,- My playful horse has slipt his string, And harness'd to the law! My pleasure from the sky! 'Twas paper'd o'er with studious themes, The tasks I wrote-my present dreams Will never soar so high! My joys are wingless all and dead; And seldom with a call! My football's laid upon the shelf; The world knocks to and fro;- No skies so blue or so serene All things I lov'd are alter'd so, O, for the garb that mark'd the boy, Well ink'd with black and red; O, for the ribband round the neck! A boy of larger growth? O for the lessons learn'd by heart! Some sugar in the cane! The Arabian Nights rehears'd in bed! By stealth, 'twixt verb and noun? The omne bene-Christmas come! But now I write for days and days, Without the silver pen! Then home, sweet home! the crowded coach-The joyous shout-the loud approach The winding horns like rams'! The meeting sweet that made me thrill, THE STARS OF NIGHT. BY F. BROWN. Whence are your glorious goings forth,-Ye children of the sky, In whose bright silence seems the power Of all eternity? For time hath let his shadow fall O'er many an ancient light; But ye walk above, in brightness still- The vestal lamp in Grecian fane On Persian hills the worshipped flame But watch o'er wandering Israel yet, Long have ye looked upon the earth, Ye saw the ancient cities rise, And where are they, who learned from you Amid their desert clime ? Yet still in wilds and deserts far, Ye bless the watcher's sight, And shine where bark hath never been, Much have ye seen of human tears— And fearful deeds of darkness, too,→→ Say, will that blackening record live How glorious was your song, that rose And still, amid our summer sky, Though ye have shone on many a grave, Ye tell of hope and glory, still,— Science. METEOROLOGICAL REPORT FOR 1845. THE following Meteorological Report for the past year was laid before the last meeting of St Andrews Literary and Philosophical Society, by Mr Tennant, schoolmaster, Dunino: January was mild and tranquil to the 25th-distant and feeble displays of the northern aurora on the evenings of the 7th and 9th-silent lightnings on the evening of the 11th. On the 25th a heavy gale from south-west: it swept over the western and central parts of England and Scotland. Again on the 26th a fierce and violent gale from N.W., introducing a low and wintry temperature. On the 27th heavy, calm, snow-showers from east. On the night of the 30th thermometer dropt to 7° minimum. Mean temperature of that day 17: the greatest degree of cold since 16th February 1838. During the month the winds greatly preponderated from the western points. On the 28th three large spots were seen crossing the sun's equator. -Highest mean temperature 5th-474°; lowest 30-173°; minimum, by night register, 30th-7°; maximum 5th-49° Mean temperature 35.51. February.-Frost and thaw alternately prevailed. Light precipitations, and calmness of atmosphere. On the evening of the 5th great luminosity in the north, followed by greater pressure and lower temperature. Again on the evening of the 24th a fine display of the northern aurora, in like manner followed by high barometric curve and frost. In England, and on the Continent, severe frost shut up their rivers during the month. On the 24th a large spot was seen passing the sun's western disc.Highest mean temperature 17th-393°; lowest 7th-244°; minimum, by night register, 6th and 7th-20°; maximum 13th-45°. Mean temperature 33.17. March. This month possessed more of the sternness of winter than any of its predecessors-heavy, wild masses of cumuli-cloud shot upwards from the east to the 16th with fierce snow showers, violent snow squall on afternoon of the 14th, partially shutting the roads in hilly districts. During this month the frost over all northern and western Europe was exceedingly severe and rigorous. Cold at Paris on the 14th 16°, average of the month there 30°. In the east of Ireland on the 13th 10°. At Hamburg on the 14th 2 above zero. In Holland equally intense. In Dunino, lowest 19°; minimum temperature ranging repeatedly from 19° to 22°; mean of the 20th 27°: the coldest of the month. During this frost the sky assumed an exceedingly light blue colour. This severe close of the winter solstice gave way on the 21st to thaw, and high, mild Atlantic winds, elevating the temperature on the 22d to 483°. In England this rapid rush of high temperature was attended by thunder and lightning. Slight shock of an earthquake at Campsie on the 9th. -Highest mean temperature 22d-484; lowest 20th-27°; minimum, by night register, 14th and 19th-19°; maximum 27th-54°. Mean temperature 35.61. April was variable and diversified to the 16th. Temperature rose on the 17th 6°, accompanied by a balmy and mild atmosphere to the 23d-soft and mild precipitations from the south-western points to the end. From the 8th to the 14th deep barometric curve.—— -Highest mean temperature 21st-53°; lowest 3d-383°; minimum, by night register, 11th and 15th-29°; maximum 21st-61°. Mean temperature 44.20. May to the 10th was distinguished by cold hail showers and current of wind from N.W. to N.E.; from thence to the end a long easterly wind, with chilly showers: indeed, during this vernal month, there were no kindly Atlantic influences, but ungenial and harsh winds from the North Sea. On the 7th several clusters of spots were seen crossing the sun's disc. From the 11th to the end of the month high barometric wave.- -Highest mean temperature 16th -57°; lowest 9th-424; minimum, by night register, 3d--35°; maximum 16th-66°. Mean temperature 48. June. This month to the 8th was accompanied by a high mild gale from s.w. and low barometric wave. On the 12th the temperature rose to 694°: the highest thermometric wave since the 12th June 1826: but tais high wave gradually subsided on the 14th in England, France, and Holland, and never again rose so high during the summer solstice. Calm and equable to the 21st. Heavy gale with much rain from N.E. on the 28th with low thermometric curve-45 mean of that day. Minimum temperature 39°, western Grampians being covered with snow. range of temperature from the 12th to the 28th 24°. Range Mean from maximum to minimum temperature 35°. Silent lightnings on the evenings of the 25th and 30th. Three large clusters of spots were seen passing the sun's disc on the 13th. On the 14th a comet appeared in the northern hemisphere, but, from the effulgence of our evenings, was invisible in our high latitude.- -Highest mean temperature 12th-694°; lowest 28th-45°; minimum, by night register, 28th-39°; maximum 12th and 13th-74°. Mean temperature 57.33. July. This month was wild and irregular. On the 1st, heavy cold rain from s.E. On the 2d, rapid rise of barometer in 15 hours of .550. On the 3d, heavy chilly showers from 8.E. On the 4th, high wild gale from s.w. From the 11th to the 15th, chilly, with showers from the N.W. points-from thence to the end, harsh and unkindly winds from N.E. and E. Our few gleams of hot temperature during this month were suddenly checked by cold precipitations. Minimum temperature of the nights of 15th, 16th, 28th-42°. On the 19th, three large spots were seen on the eastern side of the sun. -Highest mean temperature, 8th-61°; lowest, 1st-51; minimum, by night register, 15th-42°; maximum, 7th and 8th-68°. Mean temperature, 55.83. August. This month resembled its predecessor. The 1st, 2d, and 3d, showery; 5th and 6th, clear-from thence to the 22d, exceeding low temperature, accompanied with ungenial precipitation from the N.W. and harsh winds. Minimum temperature of the 15th and 16th-44°; and 21st-41° with cold rime. The barometric wave, up to the 27th, denoted a season full of instability and inclemency. On the 31st, the barometer rose to 30.150,-the highest during the summer solstice. In England, 30th-30.100. On the evening of the 29th, a bright luminous band stretched across the heavens from N.E. to s.w. In the remote north a faint display of the N. aurora manifested itself. This phenomenon was followed by a high barometric and thermometric wave to the end. Mean temperature of the 30th-64; maximum-70°; the hottest day during the solstice. A slight earthquake at Crieff on the 7th.Highest mean temperature, 30th-644°; lowest 20th-50°; minimum, by night register, 21st-41; maximum, 29th and 30th-70°. Mean temperature, 55.51. September. This month, up to the 8th, was pleasant and delightful, with high barometric wave. From thence a gradual subsidence of barometer took place over our island to the 17th, followed with dense masses of cumuli from s.w. to N.W., and heavy precipitations, and much silent lightning. On the 2d, a violent eruption of Mount Hecla in Iceland burst forth, enveloping a tract of country (by last accounts of the middle of October) of three miles in breadth. A thick shower of pumice and volcanic dust was wafted toward the isles of Shetland, Orkney, and the mainland of Scotland, covering the vegetation. This was the most severe eruption since the memorable and destructive one in 1784.- Highest mean temperature, 9th-60°; lowest, 23d-413; minimum, by night register, 22d-30°; maximum, 1st-70°. Mean temperature, 50.58. October. This month was blustering and tempestuous to the 21st. Heavy fall of rain on the 3d, and high wind from the s.E., the greatest fall during the year-1.80 inches in 24 hours. From the 7th to the 12th, low barometric curve; simultaneous therewith a long and destructive storm swept over the north seas and the northern islands of Scotland, causing many serious shipwrecks. This gale was unfelt in our latitude. On the 16th, 18th, 20th, and 26th, heavy dry gales from N.w. to s.w., particularly violent on the 20th. During this excessively moist and rainy autumn, from the 14th September to the 15th October, 7.62 in. of rain fell. On the 18th and 24th, several clusters of spots were seen crossing the sun's orb. On the 22d, a comet appeared in the constellation Cancer, visible by the eye. On the 13th and 29th, shocks of an earthquake were felt at Comrie.Highest mean temperature, 14th-55°; lowest, 5th-381; minimum, by night register, 4th-32°; maximum, 14th-60o. Mean temperature, 46.43. November. The chief characteristic of this month was great mildness and humidity of atmosphere. From the 1st to the 6th serene, fine autumnal season, and high barometrical curve; from thence to the 15th, light s.E. winds, with showers; from thence to the 22d, deep barometrical wave, the lowest curve, by diagram, during this year; low and irregular oscillations to the end, with a succession of high Atlantic gales on the 17th, 19th, 20th, 26th. At 7 P.M. in the evening of the 17th great luminosity in the northern heavens, followed by a lower temperature and fall of barometer of .19 in 12 hours. From the 20th to the 22d thun der with violent squalls in the south of England. On the 11th and 15th several severe shocks of an earthquake were felt at Smyrna, in Asia Minor.--Highest mean temperature, 8th and 26th-49°; lowest, 24th-31°; minimum, 24th-250; maximum, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th-52". Mean temperature, 41.44. December.-During this month alternate thaw and frost prevailed, attended with deep and rapid oscillations of the barometer; morning of the 19th a fall of .75 in 12 hours; on the 22d a sudden plunge of .74 in 12 hours. A dry and clear atmosphere prevailed during the month. Strong and dry gales on the 1st, 11th, 14th, 20th, 21st, and 27th, from N.N.W. to s.w. From 6 A.M. to 12, in the evening of the 3d, the most brilliant display of the northern lights took place of all during the year, enduring until midnight. This phenomenon was attended by a rise of barometer and lower temperature, and shortly followed by sudden fall of barometer and thaw. Much silent lightning in the east on the evening of the 6th, and to s.w. on the evening of the 26th. Highest mean temperature, 14th-4310; lowest, 18th, 2740; minimum, 18th-23o; maximum, 14th, 26th, 29th, 30th-47°. Mean temperature 35.38. During the past year thunder was heard in this latitude only four times twice in July and twice in August-and very feebly. During the year 1844 the thermometer stood at and below 32o 66 times, and in the past year, 1845, 87 times. GENERAL REMARKS. Throughout the various solstices of this year (1845) there seemed to be an irregularity and disturbance in atmospherial phenomena. Winter solstice was calm and lightly frosty until the 25th January; from that period to the 22d March winter set in with a rigour and intensity of cold more severe than has been felt in Europe since the last parallel season of 1838, still deepening as the solstice progressed. This frost was more intense in England and on the Continent than in our British Isles; the river Seine at Paris was frozen on the 14th March-cold, 16o. The breaking up and disruption of this long-protracted frost was the cause of much national calamity to the Continental cities by the overflooding of rivers and accumulation of ice. Mean range of barometric wave for the year, 1.220; mean range of thermometric wave, 180; barometric extreme, 1.64; thermometric extreme, 30o. Mean temperature-winter solstice, 1844...36.16...rain 5.62 1845...34.11... 5.95 1838...32.92 Barometric curve, 1.50 higher than winter solstice 1844. Spring solstice was unkindly and inconstant. No genial Atlantic influences prevailed; in place thereof cold and inclement precipitations from the eastern points. Towards the close of this solstice thermometric wave rose on the 12th June to 694° mean; in Holland, on the 13th, 87o, the earliest invasion of tropical heat since the 12th June 1826; but this brief period of high temperature quickly subsided to a more than wonted chilliness. Mean temp.-vernal solstice, 1844...49.27 deg...rain. 5.10 in. 1845...48.10 do.... do. 6.05 do. Barometric curve, .239 lower than vernal solstice 1844. Summer solstice was distinguished by great obscurity of sky, and by a temperature uncommonly low and chilly; precipitations were ungenerous, the atmosphere being exceedingly saturated with moisture. The prevailing_currents were, as last summer, from the north-west. From the low temperature of the solstice, electrical phenomena were rare, feeble, and isolated. About the 19th of August this extremely damp and clouded solstice gave way, over Europe, to greater clearness and purity of sky. Its termination was attended by electric whirlwinds and waterspouts in some of the western kingdoms of Europe, introducing a clemency which lasted to the 8th September. It may be remarked that, whilst all the shores and inland regions of western Europe were obscured by an uncommonly dark and moist atmosphere, the regions within the Arctic Circle, and the countries bordering on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, to about 45o north latitude, were enjoying a more than usually fine and serene summer. Portugal only suffered in her vines from cold, but Greece and Italy enjoyed their usual richness of temperature. Mean temp.- summer solstice, 1844...55.30 deg...rain 9.63 1845...54.62 deg... do. 10.03 Barometric curve, .008 higher than summer solstice 1844. The autumnal solstice was marked by deep and rapid undulations of barometer-at its commencement by heavy precipitations, then a constant succession of long and powerful Atlantic winds from Now. to s.w., with a total absence of easterly gales, and of dense and continued cloudiness of atmosphere. curve, Mean temp.-autumnal solstice, 1844..42.36 deg...rain 6.96 1845...42.01 deg... do. 10.30 Barometric 124 lower than autumnal solstice 1844. It will be observed of this past year, 1845, that the average mean temperature of July was lower by 1.17° than that of July, 1844, and the mean minimum less by 1.33° than that of 1844; the one being 49.65°, the other 48.32o-and that the summer solstice was in all its collected demonstrations colder than any since 1839. This, however, was the coldness indicated by the thermometer merely; there appeared to observers a chilliness, languor, and deadness of atmosphere, distinguishable principally by feeling and sensation, and not perhaps at all influencing the thermometer, which at last manifested and verified itself in its pernicious effects on some of the crops, particularly that of potatoes, in this and many other countries subjected to the ungenial influence of this prevalent atmospheric insalubrity. It was the ungenial character of the latter end of June, and of all July-together with the heavy rains of the latter end of September and all October-that affected field produce. The quantity of rain that fell between the 14th of September and 15th of October was no less than 7.62 in. În 1799 the quantity of rain that fell in August was 7.20 in. an excess which was the principal cause of the crop-failure of that disastrous year. Mean temperature-summer solstice, 1838. .54.04° 1839. .53.24 POLISHED ROCKS ON ARTHUR SEAT.-Certain polished rocks, with grooves and scratches like those ascribed to glacier action, have been long known on Salisbury Crags. The grooves run to the north of east from the top of the ridge down towards the valley between it and Arthur Seat. In forming the new road round the latter hill, some curious examples of the same phenomenon are now exposed, to which we would call the attention of our geological readers. They are seen in the small valley, or rather hollow-terrace, formed between the top of Sampson's Ribs and the main body of Arthur Seat. This valley is only about an hundred yards long, and its western or lower side not above forty feet high, yet it seems to have determined the direction of these furrows, which run south-east by compass, and thus along the side of the hill, not down the declivity. They also appear to be curved lines, as if formed by some body moving south, and pressed against the side of the hill. We |