Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-07-20
From the Vernon, Phonix-
A SYSTEM OF METEOROLOGICAL aBSspvs.
TONS FOR THE STATE or VERMONT.

nPaiaeNeiy Iece ~ origin, already
ranks among the foremost in interest,"
and utility. Great efforts are made not
only by individuals and associations. bu,
also by governments, towards its develop-
ment. The amount of new facts that
are being yearly added in this way to
the stock of human knowledge. is Of
great importance in completing our I'm
Outstanding Of the true character Of this
residence Of msn-ihe globe which we
inhabit, and of our relation thereto. II
the efforts for the advancement of the
science of Meteorology we may perhaps
rank England as first, France or Prussia
second, and the United States as third Of
fourth.
This science has made its way, thus
far, against the oft repeated inquiry
:" What is the use of it 2 but the spirit
of the times has become too much en-.
llghtened at the present day to be deter.
red by any consideration of this kind
when the enlargement of the bounds of
human enlightenment is in question. II
an Espey or Wise were now to propose
to produce rain by the instrumentality
OF fire, or to cross the American Cont.
nent and the Atlantic in a balloon, he
would be no longer laughed at as an idle
theorist. The public mind, in fact, subor.
dinated and controlled by the wonderful
developments of science far excellne
the wisdom of Solomon, now labors in
quarrying out facts, as it were, from the
mountains Of truth, without questioning
into what part of the glorious temple of
knowledge they are to be built. Ii has
learned to estimate facts as Of priceless
worth, and to perceive that they viii,
certainly find their place in building up
some great utility to man. Since we
have seen that it was careful examine
ton into the nervous twichings of frog's
leg that led as first step to that aston
ishing system of nervous tissues, the
electrical telegraph, the mind has learned
to appreciate the gemmy value of fact
however insignificant it may appear, and
now no longer asks What is the use
of it?'
1t is not long since a cavernous pas,
sage in certain part of France was
discovered to be possessed of a tempera
ture very considerably lower than that
OF the surrounding air Although tbs
warm south wind blew into it,and through
IT, the temperature within was almost
icy cold. The waters, constantly drip.
ping from the messy rocks, an being az
constantly evgporated by the warm dry
wind, kept the cavern reduced to near
the freezing point, even in the warmess
months OF summer. This fact, although
known IN the neighborhood for long
time, was never turned TO any account
until 1t was thoroughly understood. The
cavern was then made use of for dairy
purPoses,-for the making and preserving
OF butter and cheese, and so valuable
did it become, in this respect, that il gave
rise to village of some five hundred
inhabitants, dairy men and women.
where previously there were none.
Hence, in this case, the discovery of
single fact would appear to have increas-
ed the capacity of country for the
sustaining Of population by several hum
dred souls-the highest test of utility
that could be required.
And we have but little doubt in our
mind that discoveries are already Ia
progress that will lead to higher degree
of utility to France than this. For her
territory is now annually subject to fright
full ravages from haii-storms, by the
prevention of which there would be saved
from destruction food enough for thous-
ands. These storms are always known
to be accompanied by extraordinarily
active exhibitions of electricity and it
is not at all impossible, but on the con-
trary is very probable, that any means
by which the electricity could be drawn
off would prevent the formation of hail
and consequently the ruin which the
hail now produces among the crops. Per.
haps sufficient number of lightning
rods upon some elevated point of land,
like that fasces of them, as it were,
which rises with their silver points from
the edifces of our neighboring town Of
Amherst, would draw out the ire from
the blacklist thunder cloud as a Gordon
of bayonets does from charge of horse.
If SO, a few well guarded points In the
higher lands Of France, would probably
protect her whole territory from the hail
storm, just as a house is now protected
by a single lightning rod.