New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-10
II SPELL OE WEITHER "

If there is any one popularity Of American
weather. here on the Atlantic Coast at least,
which Is mora conspicuous than any other. II is
its unexpectedness. We are forever being sub
jected TO surprises. We have hot weather in
winter and cold weather in summer just years
enough 10 suspect that the climate Is changing
and we actually proceed TO hunt for the causes
Of remarkable an event After we Hit upon
a dozen satisfactory explanations. which mp-
cate the forests the Gulf Stream and possibly
the binoma theorem, things suddenly drop back
into the old rut. Once more we experience
billiards. and twelve-fOot snOwdrifts in January
and contemplate sunstrOkes and overcrowded
steamboats, in July. The rain as well as the
temperature. exhibits eccentrcity We are
either receiving more than want or have a
constitutional right to demand or else great
deal less. Thunderstorms 10 longer seem to cool
the air. as we are willing to swear was the case
when we were boys; and though the meteoroO-
gists tell us that orr memories are at fault and
that we recall the exceptions and not the rule we
resent that sort Of talk as blooming imperlinence
Take the summer of 1895, for instance When
did 1t begin: In June: No. away back in April
when for nearly week the thermometer regis
tered eighties or ninetics every day. Of course.
the demonstration was spasmodic Weather like
that couldn't last; but 1t suggested the possibil-
ity of an early and hot season May and June
were only average months, however. except that
the former was rather dry and the latter trife
cool Then came July. with an astonishing
abundance Of thunderstorms and scorching heat
These were seasonable. though and if not alto
gether enjoyable. at least evoked no serious pro-
test. Moreover, the hot waves understood the
cOnvcntionalltes of polite society sufficiently 10
make short stays. With n solitary exception the
rule Of meteorological etiquette which preScrbes
two or three days as tho limit for such visits was
scrupulously observed But see how August be-
HAYES This Is the month in which we feel iust-
fed in looking for sea fogs and excessive humid
ity hut also for an abatement of the heat The
latter may not be abrupt. but should be sufficient
to indicate that ''the backbone Of the season is
broken" Instead of thus recognizing the pro
pretes, the current month. with unholy amb
ton, Is trying to Guido July. both in the degree
and the continuity Of its ardor For five days in
succession the mercury has gone up into the
ninetles, and there is said to be little sign Of
marked improvement in sight What particular
form OF surprise September is preparing for us
If any. 1t Is Improbable TO inquire Possibly we
are fortunate in not being able to forecast It's
diosyncrasies. Besides, there's enough evidence
in already to make out case
Whether the season be animated by a spirit of
deliberate malice or irresponsible playfulness
the effects Of the treatment which the public has
recently been called upon to endure are equally
serious. The imposition is therefore to be re-
sentcd with dignity and frmness II may not he
practicable, perhaps, TO ignore the situation ut
terly But we can do so in measure and can
lessen It's influence in a dozen ways Persons
who devote more than tho usual number of
hours to sleep, spend plenty of time in the bath
tub. avoid violent exercise and severe mental
effort keep out Of the direct sunshine. wear light
apparel eschew heavy food and overrpe fruit.
control their emotions, maintain a clear con-
science and think frequently Of Andrees balloon
trip 10 the North Pole can effectually defeat the
mischlevous intentions Of the present weather