surface of the ocean, be increased, and in this respect captains and
masters of vessels may render essential service by observing and
recording the state of the barometer, and direction and force of the
wind, several times in the course of the day and night;[3] and when it
is considered that the immediate object in view is one in which the
mariner is personally interested, and one in which, it may be, his own
safety is concerned, it is hoped that the keeping of a meteorological
register having especial reference to the indications of the barometer,
and force and direction of the wind, will not be felt as irksome, but
rather will be found an interesting occupation, the instruments standing
in the place of faithful monitors, directing when and where to avoid
danger, and the record furnishing important data whereby the knowledge
of general laws may be arrived at, having an essential bearing on the
interests of the service at large.




CHAPTER III.

OBSERVATIONS.


In sketching out a system of observation having especial reference to
atmospheric waves and rotatory storms, regard has been had--_first_, to
the instruments that should be used, the observations to be made with
them, the corrections to be applied to such observations, and the form
of registry most suitable for recording the results: _second_, to the
times of observation: _third_, to the more important localities that
should be submitted to additional observation: _fourth_, to peculiar