The first and last part of December show each two regular occurrences of substantially the same phenomena. The middle is somewhat more irregular.
There were five distinctly-marked periods, and one squally, long-continued period, with a slight tendency to condensation, and a slight fall of barometer and rain on the 19th (N. W. squall probably), but not sufficient to reverse the wind to the south. In Colonel Reid’s opinion there were five revolving gales which passed over Bermuda during the month. In my opinion, there were five perfect polar waves of condensation, and one imperfect one, with as many successive southerly winds preceding the condensation, with or without rain in the center, followed by as many cold N. W. or N. N. W. winds, with squalls, in the rear, about five days apart. (See [the * in the barometric column].)
We are at issue. Let the question be determined by actual observation, and not by speculation. It is of fundamental and exceeding importance to the science.
Now, let us take a month in summer, from the observations of Mr. Bassnett, at Ottawa. Here the climate differs somewhat from that east of the Alleghanies; the magnetic intensity is greater, and the action more violent and irregular. That part of the country, it should be remembered, has a greater fall of rain in summer, for reasons we have stated, and those periodic revolutions are more frequent.
“A brief abstract from a journal of the weather for one sidereal period of the moon, in 1853.
“June 21st. Fine clear morning (S. fresh): noon very warm 88°; 4 P.M., plumous cirri in south; ends clear.
“22d. Hazy morning (S. very fresh) arch of cirrus in west; 2 P.M., black in W. N. W.; 3 P.M., overcast and rainy; 4 P.M., a heavy gust from south; 4.30 P.M., blowing furiously (S. by W.); 5 P.M., tremendous squall, uprooting trees and scattering chimneys; 6 P.M., more moderate (W.).
“23d. Clearing up (N. W.); 8 A.M., quite clear; 11 A.M., bands of mottled cirri pointing N. E. and S. W., ends cold (W. N. W.); the cirri seem to rotate from left to right, or with the sun.
“24th. Fine clear, cool day, begins and ends (N. W.).
“25th. Clear morning (N. W. light); 2 P.M. (E.), calm; tufts of tangled cirri in north, intermixed with radiating streaks, all passing eastward; ends clear.