The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-05-12
Meteorological Science.

This important subject Is now largely engaging
the attention OF the Smithsonian Institute at Wash
ington, particularly that part Of II having reference
to the phenomena OF storms, which has so particu-
larly occupied Professor Espy for some years past
We find the following notice Of the labors OF the
gentlemen Of the Institute engaged In making these
investigations, in letter from Washington TO the
New York Journal of Commerce:
Mr.. Espy, Mr.. Rodfeld Mr.. Loomis and others,
have contributed largely to this science and have
already arrived ut come important congratulations
A aystem Of observation has been commenced by
the Institution, which is to be extended over the
North American continent. Within the limits o.
The u. 81 observations are 10 be made on the lakes
and the coast nj stations not more than hundred
miles apart, and II is intended that the interior shall
be devided into disricts not exceeding hundred
miles square each in each of which there shall be
stations. The Royal Society will establish system
Of corresponding observations in the British Prov
by government officers, are nbont to be made in
Chill in Mexico, in California, and in Oregon. The
Government have nifty seven military posts nj which
observations are made. We have observations from
Al ncademies in New York and thirty five stations in
Pennsylvania and there are many private individuals
scattered over the country who are making baromeric
and thermomeiric observations. These observaaions
TO be lnsmtted TO the Institution, which s d
ges and publish Them. The Institution furnishes in
struments and Instructions 10 observers where
sary Professor LOOMS says, In his momoir thai this
system Of observations iffaithfuly prosecuted, for
one year, would well nigh exhaust the sublecl--ths
slOTlns OF each year DelHg but ieVttluOn oi those
Of the preceding BIT a period Of operations less
than three years is not calculated upon.
Wishing tho Institution the other day. was in
formed that the reports from hundreds Of observers
We're coming in, and are committed 10 very able
hand, Dr. Foreman, for digestion.
Professor LOOMS has properly estimated the value
of meteorological science, in his report 10 the In
stitution. II will advance the prosperity Of the
planter, and farmer and merchant and give security
10 the navigator. In the gale Of Dec Is, 1885, says
the reports, 80 vessels were wrecked on the Massn-
chusetts coast and Of these 81 on n single cape In
the great hurricane Of 1880, l3 line-of-bate ships
were lost, and l6 were dsmasted England and
America alone suffer an annual loss, from wrecks, Of
more than 1000 vesses--and nearly one half of the
loss is on the American shore.
Through the magnetic telegraph, person in New
York may be advised Of the commencement of q
winter storm, which requires twenty-four hours 10
travel from ST. Louis TO The Atlantic The navigator
may be put on his guard. When the laws OF storms
as well as of summer showers shall be understood
every be made aware of approaching changes
of weather. The character Of season may be known
TO the agriculturst.
But Other important applications, now scarcely
thought Of will doubt, be made OF this noble SCI
encc, which Is to be perfected for practical
purposes through The medium of the Smithsonian
Institution.