The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-09-20
Prom :. The Southern Iimes"
METEok0LOGY FOR THE FARMERS.-LIE
MAURlS NEW ENTERPRISE.


METEoKoL0GY FOR THE Observation-Disclosures
MAuRY'S NEW ENTERPRISE
Lieut. Maury has presented to tie farmers of the United
States through the columns Of the American Farmer
outline Of plan for general system Of meteorological
observations land The high reputation of this gentle
man his eminent services not only physical science but
TO the commercial interests OF the country his practical
sense and Trustworthy Judgment fail to
tention to his suggestions.
The plan is simple. II proposes that the farmers and
planters should cooperate All the country in regular
aud systematic method OF meteorological observations
The information collected The Winds rain, aud
similar phenomena is to be forwarded Washington, and
measures to be adopted 10 enlist the agency Of the gov
ernmen in arranging the facts FOR publication There
be doubt that the viii lend its aid TO the
furiherance of this great work Leu Marry that
such Office will be required in Washington carry
out the details Of this plan Is already in existence Il
established by Mr. Calhoun when hewas Secretary of ar
and it is under the control of the Surgeon General Of the
army The meteorological observations that made al
military posts discussed and published at this
office and of the valuable and interesting
ports concerning the meieoroiogy and climates OF the
try that have appeared in Of publication
there
The pan it will be perceived, IS similar to the one
which has been so successfully adopted the BY
the observations which have been made the
OF important and valuable information has been
collected The results Of these extended observations have
been inbodied in the "Wnd and Current Charts which
have proved OF such immense service to navigation Other
TONS following the scientific lead Of Lieut. Marry have
united in this useful work that the literal
ly covered with oatng observatores7 and Hevery ship
that sails is converted into temple OF science II has
been estimated that millions Of dollars have already been
saved commerce by the s'Wind and Current Charts
The farmers and planters Of the country have been like
wise benefited; for not only have ships been enabled to
kc that before practically inaccessible by Of
length of time, have been brought within easy reach by
the increased facilities of transportation.
If this system Of close and accurate observation Of the
facts of meteoroogy in all its relations to agriculture
health and similar matters is adopted land it
sult in great benefit to country. As Lieut. Manry
Justly remarks there mighty harvests Of many sors
in these meteorological fields, and have doubt what
that the proper spirit of research applied shall
have in knowledge of the wonders Of the
atmosphere and its connection with industry health and
life We beg the attention OF farmers and planters to
this movement 1t deserves the largest and liberal
sympathy 1t is fiaught with invaluable ad vantages
every domestic interest of the country Our agricultural
associations ought take up the subject Immediately and
prepare memorials to Congress for the slight aid that
be needed 10 get it under way.
We publish below letter to us from Lieut. Maury on
this subject. Though not written for the public eye
have taken the liberty in view OF the important matter
discussed lay before readers hoping that its Wig
orous thought and phauthropic spirit may induce gem
ern attention to the views advanced:
CHARLorrEsvILLs (Na,) Aug. 30 1856.
My DEAR SIR / am in want of champion in Alabama
for good cause and therefore address myself to you
without further apology.
My Investigations OF the winds at have impressed
with the idea that much may be done for agricultu
raj and sanitary meieoroogy has been done for that of
the have stated publicly, and given the details
of the plan in the August numbe Of the American Far
/ r1.I., DALI
send yon copy Of it can procure one The plan is
simply that the farmers and planters should lend that
of cooperation the hand That the merchants and sailors
afforded sea- and that the government should then
its part by having the observations thus procured dis
cussed and published
There truth-loving, notwithstanding in
cry county in every State who would be glad TO cooperate
in such work They would readily undertake 10 make
the requisite observations if they furnished with the
formulas and had the assurance that their observations
would be discussed and published for the benefit Of all
Nay, there unreducod observations enough now in
the country lying in the desks of those who made them
from which much useful information may be gathered
for the farmers culed from the old sealogs for the
sailors and have doubt that the desks and drawers
of meteorological observers the land would open quito
readily TO the call of authorized colaboraor the
old chests Of the mariner did. As for giving the
scheme trial aud carrying II into demonstration far
enough to show wbat systematic plan OF observations
will do the Of agricultural nccorology
and for the benefit Of farmers and planters, III answer
for the observations if government will pledge the means
for their discussion and publication III 90 further and
government for such purpose Whovt cost. You know
The materials for the wind and Current Charts"
al furnished gatuitousy, and that without asking gov
ernmcnts for single cent bage literally covered The
with floating obaervntorics and converted every
ship that sails into temple Of science Not only govern
men but nations and people have united with me- and
assisting carry out system OF meteorological
search for the sea- much nny be done for the land il the
planters and farmers Of The United States will only second
the effort and tell their representatives in Congress thai
they much done by the government for agrcltu-
at sea for the benefit of and navigation BY
the saving Of time the voyage and the essening Of tho
dangers by the way these interests it has been computed
both in this country and England have been benefited TO
the extent Of millions annually Some OF tcse benefits
have Injured also TO agriculture not only by giving OPP
portunitv to the farmer 10 get markets beyond the sea
cheaper and enabling ships to fetch and carry for him at
lower figures bu, by bringing within reach markets which
before inaccessible By Of the great length IN
ht,e OF the voyage
Let MS therefore extend the system Of philosophical re-
search 10 the land 1t is very rich with promises OF good
it will literally Utmost nothing and ill not The plant
of Alabama. well the agrcuurss and agricul-
tura societies OF the other States lend hand in ect
ting it under way p Help me with goodwill and kind
l words.
/ Yours, truly, NJ. i. MAURY.
| Rev. DIR. LpsceMB.
| Gosslr RAcnEI.--A New York correspondent OF
! the Boston Journal says:
1