Temperature of the Earth, L. Cordier's essay on, xv, 109.
[CORRIGENDA TO VOL. XXVIII.]
"Extreme cold" of 1766-7.–In Volume xxviii, at page 183, are quoted observations at New Haven, Conn., on the cold of 1766, 1767, stated in "degrees of extreme cold." This phrase being obscure, was then erroneously interpreted to be equivalent to "degrees below zero." An examination of the MS. Meteorological Journal of Pres. Stiles, shows that the words "extreme cold" were marked on the thermometer (which was probably Hauksbee's) as comprehending a region, on the scale, of 20° H., viz. from 85° to 105°; 100° H. being equal to 0° Fahr. Immediately above this region of extreme cold, is a region of 20° marked "frost," extending from 65° to 85° H. (65° H. being equal to +32° Fahr.) The cold at New Haven ascertained from other sources was, Dec. 31, 1766, -1° F., Jan. 1, 1767, -8½ F., Jan. 2, -9¾ F., which numbers correspond very nearly with the statements in extreme cold, when explained on the principles above mentioned. The cold of Jan. 5, 1835, at New Haven, still appears to be more intense than any previously recorded here.
[CORRIGENDA TO VOL. XXXII.]
East Bridgewater Meteorite.–I have examined the East Bridgewater, Mass., Meteorite referred to in vol. xxxii, p. 395, of this Journal, and find the specimens which were collected to be nothing more than old slag from an iron-furnace, which had been spread over the field in former times. Some rounded balls of these had been washed up during the severe thunder shower during which the fall was believed to have occurred. One of the specimens submitted to my inspection was from the identical parcel collected by the lad with whom the report originated. Its surface was much invested, (and its substance partially penetrated) with rootlets of grasses!
Charles U. Shepard.
New Haven, April 22, 1847.