in their position, and the accuracy of the indications doubtful. The Professor stated as the result of experiment, in accordance with theoretical considerations, that rain-gauges need not exceed three inches in diameter, that the trouble attending them may be limited to emptying them once a month, and that the index-rod, if divided into tenths of an inch, is sufficient for all practicable purposes. The eye, with a very little practice, can easily read off to one-fourth of a tenth, a difference often greater than the amount of rain falling at the same time within short distances. The Professor further stated, that gauges of the description which he recommended were being established in different parts of the country. At twelve of the parish schools of Annandale, rain-gauges, furnished by Mr Bryson for his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, had been placed, and the results, according to Mr Stewart, Hillside, Lockerby, have been satisfactory. In conclusion, Professor Fleming observed, that trustworthy observations would not be secured for generalizations respecting the distribution of rain, until some simple, easily constructed, and inexpensive but accurate form of gauge be adopted, such as he believed the instrument on the table to be, and the instrument sunk in a grass plot, as free from the influence of trees, buildings, or local currents of wind as practicable, the grass around the funnel being occasionally trimmed.”

The distribution over the country of rain-gauges fitted to yield comparable results, is a subject to which the attention of the Association will, we have no doubt, be carefully directed. In the meantime, those who feel an interest in the subject may witness an example of science run mad in the rain-gauges on the observatories of our Calton Hill. The temperature of the rain as it falls in different months must necessarily influence directly the heat of the air through which the drops pass, and the soil which receives them. But the most important consequence of rain on the soil is in this country connected with the cold which is generated by ordinary evaporation, and by the increased quantity vaporised by wind. A surface, therefore, exposed to a considerable fall of rain, and the full sweep of the wind, must be cold, and, however unfit for pasture, unsuitable for agriculture. The importance of shelter comes here prominently into view, together with the suitableness of farms in particular localities requiring peculiar treatment and occupancy. While the importance of acquiring accurate information respecting the fall of rain, as exercising an influence on temperature, will not be disputed, few have attended to the quantity as a source of supply of water for domestic purposes. The trustworthy results of comparable rain-gauges would speedily indicate the mode in which scarcity of water during the summer months could easily be remedied.

In the foregoing remarks we have referred so frequently to the soil as exercising a dominant influence on the heat of the air, as to indicate the propriety of keeping a register of its temperature, along with that of the atmosphere. We leave out of view, in the present case, the important researches which have had for their object to determine the depth penetrated by the summer heat and winter cold, and the modification of progress or limits dependent on peculiarities in the strata through which these waves of season temperature pass. The portion of the ground which here claims our notice may be regarded as a stratum extending to about 20 inches in depth from the surface. The temperature of this stratum of soil not only regulates the heat of the atmosphere resting over it, but exercises a dominant influence on the progress of vegetation. We are aware that the leafing and growth of plants above ground, is directly promoted by the heat of the air in which they are immersed; but it is otherwise with the sprouting of seeds. For the commencement and pro

gress of this process, the heat of the soil must have reached a certain point, otherwise the seed remains dormant and exposed to the attacks of insects. We have not indeed any good experiments by which the degree of heat requisite for the germination of wheat, barley, or oats, can be regarded as determined. But it would surely be of importance to ascertain by the thermometer the progress of the heat of this, which may be called the stratum of germination, and its connection with the early growth of our plants. The first hint on this subject which we have noticed is by Mr P. Lathbury, dated Woodbridge, May 3, 1800, and inserted in the third volume of Dr Anderson's Recreations in Agriculture, &c., p. 271. The observations of this author, although countenanced by the sagacious editor, appear to have passed unheeded. It seems, however, a subject deserving of deliberate consideration, and we trust that it will not be overlooked by the Scottish Meteorological Association. The process of observation would not be difficult. A protecting tube of copper or zinc, close at bottom, with a diaphragm 3 inches high, the thermometer fitted to act like a plug, a portion of the stem with the bulb projecting into the chamber, and the scale resting on the diaphragm, would constitute the whole apparatus. It would be requisite to form the top of the thermometer so as to act as a cover, and prevent access to air or rain. The chamber at the bottom would always preserve the same temperature as the soil at the same depth, and there would be little trouble given to the observer. Thermometers thus placed from 3 to 20 inches from the surface, would, in the course of a few years, furnish useful results. We should discover the difference of soils as to heat, and the relative importance of deep ploughing and surface scratching. The fishermen on the coast now consult the barometer before going to sea, and it is not improbable that the sower, especially in spring, may yet have recourse to the thermometer in guiding him to the proper season for his labours. We would here earnestly recommend close attention to the temperature of perennial as well as of the variable springs of the districts.

In the preceding remarks we have confined our attention to the air and to the soil, and the different circumstances which influence their temperature, without noticing another agent, hitherto in a great measure overlooked, but which regulates in no small degree the character of our climate, viz., the temperature of the surrounding sea. We have, indeed, reference frequently made to our insular climate, and the effects produced on certain parts of the coast by the Gulf Stream, but what is the actual amount of accurate observations illustrative of these subjects? Generally speaking, our recorded data are either desultory, or too local in character to afford premises for anything approaching to safe generalization.

If register thermometers, with the scales of glass attached by platina wire and enclosed in a copper box, were placed a few feet below low-water mark, and examined every fortnight, we should get at those times of inspection one direct observation, together with the maximum or minimum of the interval. With such observations sufficiently numerous, and in different localities, we might test the truth of the assertions, that "from the intervention of the British Islands, the southern parts of Norway are less open to the warm sea current (Gulf Stream) than the northern parts, and hence in the month of January, the temperature actually becomes warmer in proceeding from south to north;" and "that if we proceed in January from the Shetland Islands down the east coast of Great Britain to the channel, we do not alter the temperature, whilst, with every step to the westward it becomes warmer, and that in no inconsiderable degree."

We do not here enter upon the necessity of attending to the conditions of pressure and moisture, or to electrical and magnetical disturbances, because we think the subjects to which reference has now been made capable of a ready illustration, and calculated to recommend science as admitting of practical applications. Keeping this feature in view, the Association may do much good, and speedily secure the cordial and liberal support of the public, in spite of all the evil influence emanating from the centralizing spirit of the age.-(Communicated from the Literary Spectator, May 1856.)

MISCELLANEOUS.

Notice of the Rock-Basons at Deo (Devi) Dhoora, near Almorah in Upper India. By WILLIAM JORY HENWOOD, F.R.S., F.G.S., sometime Chief Mineral Surveyor, H.E.I.C., North West Provinces. (Read before the Royal Institution of Cornwall.)

Although much has been written on the ancient Druidical worship, it is for the most part of a conjectural character. Rock-basons, cromlechs, erect single stones, and logan rocks, are all supposed to have been used in it. Living amongst objects which have attracted so much attention from antiquaries, it cannot but interest us to know there is a district-though a distant one-in which some, at least, of them are still employed.

Whether the rock-basons now observed in the coarse-grained granite of Dartmoor, of Cornwall, and of Scilly, owe their origin to artificial means or to natural causes, there can be no doubt but their present forms and conditions are mainly, if not altogether, due to the disintegration of their sides by atmospheric influences. To these we also owe the peculiar figures of our logan stones, the strange outlines of our wildest rocks, and the present condition of many cromlechs.

The granitic mountain of Deo (or Devi) Dhoora is about eighteen miles south-east of Almorah, the capital of Kumaon, and rises to about 6800 feet above the sea. It is much visited by Hindoo devotees, as the temples and objects of pagan worship on its summit are considered of peculiar sanctity.

Both before and behind an inclosure which contains the principal temples, facing opposite ways, as well as in front of a smaller place of worship, about a furlong south-east of them, are large granite rocks affording tolerably level surfaces of several feet square, respectively about 4 feet, 2 feet, and 1 foot above the ground. Each of these rocks exhibits a group of five basons. They are generally about 6 or 8 inches in diameter, and perhaps a foot in depth; their brims are tolerably sharp cut, their sides are perfectly smooth; no trace of disintegration appears in either of them, and they are evidently of artificial origin. No symmetrical arrangement appears to prevail in their positions, and they are at irregular distances apart. The priests of the temples, as well as my native attendants, professed entire ignorance of any object for which these rock-basons were used; and on the subject of their religious rites generally I found none of them communicative.

There are remains of several small granite-built shrines, cach still containing a fragment of an idol sculptured out of slate-rock, as well as a stone of about 10 tons weight, obviously once a logan-rock, intentionally overthrown, on the same surface in which the rock-basons occur in front of the principal temple; and at least 4 other similar large stones, which equally bear traces of having been purposely upset, crown wild picturesque granite cairns in the neighbourhood.

The small south-eastern place of worship is not more than 12 or 14 feet long, by perhaps 8 in width and height, and in construction differs

but little from the ordinary houses of the natives. It is divided within by railings into two unequal parts, of which the larger is for the priests, and the smaller for the worshippers; a closed cell was observed in one side, and a quantity of ashes on the floor of the former; the latter was empty. In front of this edifice were two small cromlechs of slate; the larger is an oblong square, about 5 feet in length, and 24 feet in width, is supported at a height of rather less than 3 feet horizontally, on six stones; the smaller is triangular, and is perhaps 2 feet wide; but instead of being flat, it is supported at an angle of about thirty degrees from the horizon, in such a manner that one corner is the lowest part, and one edge, the highest, is level; the props being applied to the inclined sides only, shelter the interior for about two-thirds of its circumference, but leave the rest open.

The flat-topped cromlechs are used indifferently as altars or as seats, for I have observed rice and flowers, as offerings, often laid on them; and just as frequently I have seen the natives sitting and resting their burdens on them; the inclined ones are employed only as receptacles for small rudely-made iron lamps, which are always lighted when religious rites are being solemnized. I have seen many such lamps sheltered by inclined stones, sometimes at considerable distances from temples, as at Lohba, and frequently the coverings were not more than a foot square; the lamps, though extinguished, mostly still contained oil. Level topped cromlechs are frequently found alone; but I do not recollect an instance, amongst the scores I have seen, of an inclined one without a flat one in its neighbourhood.

In an open grassy spot, surrounded by Deodars, I saw a flat slate cromlech of considerable size, and three sculptured stones of granite, in front of a temple at Dhoora Devi. I saw, however, no such stones at Deo Dhoora, although an isolated granite rock of perhaps 12 or 14 feet high, and 6 feet in diameter, on an elevated part of the mountain about a mile from the temples, is an object of worship.

Before the temples of Jagesur and Deo Dhoora, in front of the temple and cromlech at Dhoora Devi, near the cromlechs and peepul trees of Gunnai and Burrulgaon, and within a few steps of the cromlechs near Lohba, two long iron chains suspend an iron plate from a high wooden frame, thus making a swing very like that used for the amusement of children in this country, only of much larger size. I have seen it swung very frequently, and I have been told by many persons that it has some connexion with the Nature worship, though no one either could or was willing to inform me its precise object.*

When this district was overrun by Mohammedan conquerors, many of the Hindoo temples were destroyed, and most of their idols were broken: the sacred edifices are therefore now frequently made of wood, and fragments only of the images are found. One of these wooden buildings has been erected within the holy precincts at Deo Dhoora, which are, however, still strewed with the richly cut stones of the ancient temple.

One ancient place of native worship there, the most ruthless destroyer would find it difficult to mutilate. Two masses of granite of more than 50 feet square each-portions of a romantic cairn-rise from the verge of a cliff; touching above, they are separate downward, and thus form a stupendous natural portal. With admirable adaptation, a flight of some

*Even to the present day numerous small rags may be found fluttering on the shrubs near Madron well, in the early part of May; votive offerings from parents who still bathe their weakly children in the spring. In many passes of the sub-Himalayan range, there are trees on which hundreds of similar tokens are displayed, with what object I have not learnt.

twenty or more rough steps has been laid, thus forming a frowning doorway to a small natural cavern within the cairn. Lighted only through the entrance and through crevices in the roof, the straitened dimensions of the temple disappoint the expectations raised by its Cyclopean porch. The mutilated idol—a representation of some incarnation of the Hindoo deity-carved in slate about 3 feet high, is a loathsome semi-human figure with the legs folded beneath; on a low stone table before it rice and flowers were offered. It was not without horror and disgust that on entering the temple I found myself stepping in the blood of a victim, which spattered the sides and formed a pool on the floor; it had been sacrificed by one of my native attendants but a few minutes previously. The blood alone is offered to the idol, the priest and the worshipper dividing the flesh of the goat, which is beheaded by a single stroke of the heavy, curved Nepalese knife.

It is in vain for me to hope that I can give an idea of the rich wild scenery of the cairn, which forms the roof of this singular temple; enormous blocks of granite of most picturesque forms are piled in the strangest confusion; and flowering pear trees, magnificent blossoming walnuts, noble gnarled oaks, and patriarchal Deodars spring from the crevices.

From the rocky plateau in front, the view is perhaps of unequalled variety and beauty over mountains and hills in almost endless succession, sometimes rich with fields of waving wheat, fringed with woods, varied by cottages and hamlets, and spotted with patches of Deodars marking the sites of temples; the whole intertwined with torrents threading their way to rivers in the plains, until, indistinct from distance alone, it is bounded at last by glaciers and snows-the highest ranges of the Himalaya.

Egg Albumen in Calico Printing.

We have been permitted by Walter Crowe, Esq., of Thornliebank, near Glasgow, to publish the following curious piece of statistics indicating the extent to which egg albumen is employed in calico printing. This substance is used as a medium for affixing upon the cloth certain insoluble pigments, such as the artificial ultramarine, not attachable by the ordinary processes of dyeing, and is a new and valuable auxiliary to the calico printer.

MM. Dollfus, Mieg, and Co., calico-printers of Mulhausen, use per annum 8000 kilogrammes of dry albumen, at a cost of 10 francs per kilogramme 80,000 francs; 320 eggs produce 1 kilogramme, which ×8000 2,560,000 eggs; one hen produces 200 eggs per annum, therefore, 12,800 hens are required to supply this one factory. albumen is produced chiefly at Annonay near Grenoble.

Hints in regard to Dredging Observations.

and,

The

The following are the directions drawn up by Mr Patterson of Belfast for the use of dredging parties:

Points to be noted by Dredgers.

The number of species.-The kinds usually found associating together. The number of living specimens of each.-The number of dead. The average age of the specimens; that is, whether young or adult. The general state of the animals, and particularly as to the maturity of the eggs, or if they have been recently shed.

The kind of ground.-The depth.-The distance from land.

The zone; whether the-1. Littoral; 2. Laminarian ; 3. Coralline; or. 4. the Coral. These terms were proposed by the late Professor Edward Forbes, and are fully explained in his writings.

1. The Littoral zone includes the space between high and low water

marks.