individually. Everyone would find something to interest him in one or other of the Societies, and his influence, when once secured, would again influence others. Some of the earlier Monographs are out of print, and already fetch high prices in the second-hand booksellers' catalogues, and, therefore, upon the mere ground of "an investment" subscribers may rely that they will get their "money's worth." The number of subscribers within the area of our Union, a radius of eighty miles, is not more than thirty or forty to both Societies together; a very small number indeed, when we consider its wealth and the number of those who take an interest in Natural History. The subscriptions were due on 1st January last for the current year, so that each member now subscribing will be entitled to the forthcoming volume. Specimens of the recently published works may he seen at my offices, 23, Union Street, Birmingham, where I shall be glad to receive the subscriptions of intending subscribers. The Rev. Thomas Wiltshire, M.A., F.G.S., 25, Granville Park, Lewisham, S.E., is the able Secretary to both Societies; and he will, I am quite sure, with his usual courtesy, give any further information that may be desired.
The Weather of January, 1878.
By W. J. Harrison, F.G.S.
In the following columns we have the pleasure of presenting to our readers by fur the moat complete monthly return of the Temperature and Rainfall of the Midland Counties which has ever appeared in any publication. It embraces returns from about seventy stations, including three distant points—Carlisle, Ventnor, and Altarnun Vicarage, Cornwall—the returns from which will he useful and interesting for comparison with our own central stations. Many deficiencies, however, remain to be supplied, and we shall be pleased to give information as to description and cost of meteorological instruments.
The influence of the weather upon animal and plant life is a branch of the subject to which we would direct special attention, and we trust to receive many notes for February as to the time of opening of our ordinary spring flowers—Snowdrops, Primroses, the Speedwell, Hazel, Pilewort, (Ranunculus ficaria,) Dog's Mercury, and Coltsfoot for example. In this matter our readers generally could render important help.
Reverting to the weather of the first month of 1878, the figures we print below show unanimously that while the rainfall was below the average, the temperature, especially for the first three weeks, was decidedly above it. The maximum rainfall at nearly all stations was on the 27th, but only at Buxton (1°36 ins.} did it exceed one inch in depth. There are one or two returns in which a heavy fall is entered on the 28th, but this we suspect is caused by entering the rainfall to the day on which it was measured, The rain-gauge should he emptied daily at nine a.m., and the amount entered to the preceding day. The temperature desired is that in the shade at 4ft. above ground, (thermometers in a Stevenson's stand if possible.) If instruments are placed otherwise it should be noted on the form. We shall be pleased to forward forms for the purpose of recording observations to all who will help in the work of taking the record of the weather of the Midlands as complete as possible, and all forms should be filled up and sent within the first week of the ensuing month to Mr. W. J. Harrison, Town Museum, Leicester.
