The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-01-14
METEOROLOGY.
Interesting Report on Subject OF
General Discussion at this
time...the Weather.

The Illinois department of agriculture
is giving considerable attention to the
science of meteorology, and according to
the best of authority the weather service
of this state ranks second TO none in
completeness aud accuracy of its reports.
The weather is the principal theme OF
discussion at this time, aud as long as the
temperature ranges as fat below zero as
during the past few days, anything relat-
ing to this subject will be read with inter
est. As soon as the department of
agriculture completes the work of organic
ing the state weather service, and secures
the service of competent observer in
each county, there will no longer be any
excuse for such Indictment weather as that
of the past few days. Secretary Mills
claims that the present cold wave was
admitted to the state through counties in
which no observers were appointed, and
that every avenue will be carefully guard
ed in the future Col Mill, in his late re-
port to the board of agriculture, has the
following to say concerning the state
weather service: The science Of meteoro
logy is deservedly receiving more atten>
ton each succeeding year, especially at
the hands of the more intelligent farmers
who realize the great practical value Of
information OF this character TO all engag-
ed in agricultural purs uits The earnest
and repeated Invitations extended during
the past year to all interested in meteoro-
logy to render assistance in completing
the weather reports of the state have re
suited in securing the cooperation OF a
large addition to the list of observers. The
increased number of observers reporting
during the past year has enabled the office
to enlarge aud complete the monthly
Weather Review of the state. which now
represents nearly every section OF the
state.
The summary of the date reported TO
this office each month by observers has
been monthly forwarded to the press of
the respective counties from which re-
ports have been received The very gen
eral publication of this matter by the
press has increased the interest in the
science of meteorology throughout the
state. The board is favored with sixty>
one observers, thirty nine of which have
been added to the list during the the past
year Assurances have been received
from parties interested ia this work in
several other counties, and before the
close of the current year it is confidently
believed that the remaining forty>one
couaties will be represented by observers.
The chief signal officer at Washington
has heartily co-operated in the work of
increasing the efficiently of the Illinois
State Weather service THIS office is
under obligation to that officer for
frequent arrivals of publications of
great practical value to all interested
in the science OF meteoroiogy. The
receipt from the chief signal officer and
the distribution among observers at short
intervals of the comprehensive bulletins,
treating of the subjects coming within
the scope of work of The meteorologist
has tad marked influence in enthusing
the corps of observers that have rendered
| the state such excellent service during the
past year. The chief signal officer re-
ports that 1.-The practical benefits resulting
to the agricultural. commercial and other
| industrial interests have never been more
evident than during the last year. due to
| a wider diffusion of weather forecasts OF
warnings of anticipated frosts, floods and
storms, all part OF the regular estab~
| lished work of the service, the merits OF
which continually receive mole general
appreciation, the more they are tested by
time and experience. The signal service
has had its growth in the generous sup
port of the American people, and year by
wear an increased confidence has been
shown in the usefulness of its work; 6
confidence that has steadily augmented
with the development of the service"