1. Instrumental and other local indications of approaching 129
storms, compiled from reports made to the Chief Signal
Officer by observers of the Signal Service, United States
Army
2. Table 1 shows the quadrants from which winds are most likely 141
to be followed by rain or snow in the several districts of
the United States
Table 2, shows the quadrants from which winds are least 143
likely to be followed by rain or snow, computed from the
observations of the Signal Service
3. District map, showing the boundaries of meteorological 145
districts used by the Signal Service in preparation of
weather indications
List of names and addresses of persons furnishing reports for 145
this publication
OFFICE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER,
_Washington, D. C., May 11, 1883_.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the “Popular
weather proverbs, prognostics, &c.,” in use in the United States:
The circular recently issued by you calling upon all observers, both
regular and voluntary, and the general public to coöperate with the
Signal Service in the collection of this information was widely
distributed, and the replies received contain special prognostics in use
in each section of this country. Many of these sayings express, in a
crude form, the meteorological conditions likely to follow, and have
resulted, from the close observation on the part of those whose
interests compelled them to be on the alert, in the study of all signs
which might enable them to determine approaching weather changes.
The increase of aqueous vapor in the atmosphere is indicated by its
effect upon animal and vegetable organization. Animals are observed to
become restless before rain, and many prognostics are based upon the
action of birds, beasts, fish, reptiles, and insects. Plants and trees
also indicate change in the hygrometric condition of the surrounding
atmosphere by the expansion and contraction of their leaves or flowers.
The increase of aqueous vapor is indicated by the expansion or
contraction of various substances, such as wood, whalebone, cat-gut,
sponge, and hair, which, when colder than the air, condenses the
moisture upon them, and this being absorbed increases the temperature,
thus causing expansion or contraction. This action of heat and vapor
upon these various substances has been utilized by meteorologists in the
construction of hygrometers, and a number of the prognostics herewith
express the effect of moisture on the articles named.
I have indicated only a limited number of those prognostics which depend
upon the quantity of vapor in the atmosphere with a view of illustrating
that a portion of these popular weather sayings are based upon true
meteorological conditions, and a thorough knowledge of this class of
prognostics may prove of service to the observer when instruments are
not at hand.
Those popular sayings referring to years, months, weeks, &c., are not
considered of any real value in determining the weather forecasts for
the periods named. They are given that general attention may be directed
to this class of weather forecasts. The ablest meteorologists of to-day,
aided by the most perfect meteorological instruments and the results of
years of accurate instrumental observations, are still unable to give
reliable forecasts of the weather for a longer period than two or three
days, and frequently not longer than twenty-four hours. It is possible
that a more accurate observation of the condition of plants or the
condition and action of animals might lead to some valuable suggestion
in this important field of investigation. At least we may be permitted
to invite a wider field of observation in this branch of the science so
long as those most learned in meteorology are unable to inform the
agriculturist whether the approaching season will be wet or dry, warm or
cold.
I have included in this report the interesting paper on Popular Weather
Prognostics by the Hon. Ralph Abercromby, F. M. S., and William
Marriott, F. M. S., which was read before the Meteorological Society of
London December 20, 1882. This paper is of special value when considered
in connection with the popular weather sayings given in this report, as
the relation existing between many of these prognostics and the
attending meteorological conditions as determined from instrumental
observations is clearly shown.
Under head of General Prognostics will be found a paper of special
interest by Mr. Cushing, giving weather prognostics in use among the
Zuñi Indians of New Mexico.