| Description | Forwarding meteorological observations taken by the hour on 17-18 March. The appearance of a large comet and the proximity of the Moon has caused alarm, strengthened by reports from Europe that the tides would be unusually high. This created concern that there would be an inundation at the province. The Spring tides were low, however, and thinking that 'some peculiar phenomenon' might be observed at the Spring tide, Dr. Blair selected it for his hourly observations instead of the 21st. He transmits them in the hope that they will be useful. Since the anemometer had not arrived, the direction of the wind only is given. Light is so intense at Demerara that the photometer was found to be useless and a larger one has been sent for. Having had in mind the circular of 29 November 1839 referring to the Colonial Ofice theory of storms, he is happy to be able to forward accurate sets of meteorological tables. Similar tables will be given from the penal settlement, but since the medical man there is not under the direct supervisioon of Dr. Blair, they may be less accurate.
Headed [p.1]: 'Duplicate no.45'. Endorsed [p.8]: '1843. British Guiana. No.45 - 25th March. Transmitting Meteorological tables taken hourly in the 24 hours of 17th March - 18th'. |