Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-12
FORECASTER PLACATES FARMER
AS DROUGHT THREATENS CATTLE
Unusual Demands EnIiven
Weather Mems Careers
in Capital.
Good Nature and Wisdom Are
Combined in Fulfilling
Daily Tasks.
BY REX COLLIER.

The worries of the weather man do
not end with the study of meteorologi-
cal reports, examination of instruments
and the formulation of forecasts.
Besides running the daily risk of in
curing the displeasure of disappointed
picknickers, rain-check holders and
other victims of the unruly elements,
he must be prepared to meet most I'M
usual and unexpected demands upon
his unvarying good nature.
ForecasterS Charles L. Mitchell and
r. Hanson Weightman of the local
Weather Bureau are no exception to the
rule, and they have had more than
their share of added responsibility dur
ing the record-breaking dry spell just
ending.
Farmer Comes With Tale Of Woe.
Recently there came to MitchelPs
modest Office at Twenty-fourth and M
streets sturdy Virginia farmer whose
bronzed forehead was furrowed With
trouble. He had been referred to the
Weather Bureau from another division
of the Department of Agriculture.
I'm up against it, the rustic
stranger explained to the courteous
and sympathetic prognosticator. 81
have large herd of pure-bred cattle
down in the Shenandoah Valley and
they are about to die of thirst. We
haven't had more than a sprinkle of
rain for months. My wells are empty,
my cisterns are about the same and
now the river itself is going dry"
The caller paused to mop his
anguiShed brow. The forecaster also
brushed away a few beads of perspira-
ton. Plainly this man was desperate.
Could 1t be he had come to wreck
vengeance IN an innocant foraca Sfar2
Mitchell Parties Question.
That's certainly too bad" Mitchell
commented by way Of parrying.
IT'S worse than that" the farmer
replied, savagely. tits a calamity. If
my herd dies, I'm ruined man. Some
things gotta be done, and quickly"
The forecaster took a deep breath
and scratched his head in a perpleXed
manner Plainly it was his move now.
He wondered if the best move would
not be in the direction of an open win
dow.
81 wish I could help you," Mitchell
announced sincerely.
You cam" the farmer declared.
Tell me where I can drive my cattle
to water"
Hard Knot to Unite.
Here was one of those unusual and
unexpected situations that all good
forecaSters must encounter. OF course,
the proper response would be that fore
casters do not keep tab on where the
water goes after it has fallen from the
skies. They are not required to check
on the aridity of streams or the loca-
ton of watering places for cattle.
But the present exigency could not
be dealt with so easily. Such an an
swer, however justified, would scarcely
meet the emergency. The farmer
moved forward in his chair, ready for
the officials answer. Suddenly Provi-
dence interviewed. A recollection flashed
through Mitchell's mind of a certain
forecast he had completed few hours
before. The forecaSters face broke
into a relieved smile:
Forecast of Rain Is True.
why you have nothing to worry
about" Mitchell asserted confidently.
You're going to have plenty of rain
down on your farm within the next "a
hours. 'Thunderstor1ns and everything.
Maybe cloudburst. / just sent out a
forecast to that effect"
The farmers face shone with graft
tude. There was awe in his eyes. He
gripped the forecaster's hand in wise