CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 55
temperature, and described the work as easy, healthy, and inexpen-
sive. The necessary apparatus would not cost more than twenty
shillings.
(3) Earth temperature at shallow and great depths, is a subject
that has long occupied the British Association. He thought that
little more could be learned about temperature at depths between
10 feet, and 1,000 feet, at least in this country. But more records
from depths over 1,000 feet were wanted. And, on the other hand,
observations at depths from 3 inches to 10 feet might have much
practical value in preventing the bursting of water pipes during
severe winters.
(4) Phenological work. This, Mr. Symonds remarked, was a
kind of work peculiarly adapted to local scientific societies, as it
meant the tracing of the laws of the life-history of plants and
animals.
(5) Early meteorological records. These, he thought, were often
destroyed from ignorance of their interest and value, and he hoped
the Corresponding Societies would do their best to preserve and
publish them.
(6) Records of river and well-levels, and (7) Records of floods and
the placing of flood-marks, were then touched upon. He stated that,
as regards records of former floods and their utilisation in the way of
warning owners of low-lying property, etc., the inhabitants of the
British Isles were almost the most backward people in Europe. He
hoped the Corresponding Societies would do something to forward
improvement in this matter.
I should like to add to Mr. Symons' remarks on the desirability
of records of temperature at shallow depths, that I hope recorders
will note the nature of the soil or rock passed through as well as the
depth. It may be of the utmost practical importance to know that
to prevent water pipes from bursting during severe winters a depth of
so many feet in a stiff clay is equivalent to so many of gravel or sand,
sandstone, or limestone. And in a town, the nature of the pavement,
and the "made ground," which often forms the uppermost 5 or 6 feet
—more or less—must have its influence, and should consequently
be noted.
As an example of the work to be desired in the registration of
rainfall, Capt. G. R. Elwes laid upon the table a paper on the rain
fall in Dorset, which had been compiled by Mr. Eaton, a member cf
the Dorset Nat. Hist. and Antiq. Field Club. It was a very careful