In a Report of the New Jersey Geological survey I stumbled upon this tidbit. It is amazing where you will find tiny tidbits that can help your story.
1852.—Winter of 1851-2, cold; mean temperatures of the months, 3° to 8° below the average; East river crossed on the ice January 30th, and for three days following; Susquehanna at Havre de Grace frozen over for seven weeks; cold and snows as far south as New Orleans and Jacksonville, Fla.
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
1896 Mean Temperatures for the United States
I've divided the chart below for better readability. This information comes from The standard American Encyclopedia Vol. 8 ©1897 The reason I've included this tidbit is because of the discussions regarding Global Warming. These records help us to see what the average temp for the year was in 1896.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
1811 Heat wave
Here are some headlines and tidbits from Medford Mail Tribune, July 5th edition, about a heat wave that hit the east in 1811.
120 Deaths in Windy City
in this article it mentions 750 people were sleeping in the city parks. They weren't homeless they were trying to combat the heat.
Temp was recorded at 100 degrees.
64 Perish in the past 3 Days in New York
in this article it also mentions crops drying up in the middle west
Iowa Fruit and Vegetables destroyed
Omaha, Neb temps reached 105, deaths reported but no number given.
The source was 1911 Medford Mail Tribune, July 5th.
120 Deaths in Windy City
in this article it mentions 750 people were sleeping in the city parks. They weren't homeless they were trying to combat the heat.
Temp was recorded at 100 degrees.
64 Perish in the past 3 Days in New York
in this article it also mentions crops drying up in the middle west
Iowa Fruit and Vegetables destroyed
Omaha, Neb temps reached 105, deaths reported but no number given.
The source was 1911 Medford Mail Tribune, July 5th.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
1858 & 1859 Illinois Crop Failure
Well I couldn't walk away from the passage in yesterday's post regarding the crop failing in 1858 in Illinois. I believe I've mentioned here that one of my ancestors was born on the prairie, her mother died there and she and her father returned to New England a few years later. With the loss of his wife and the failure of his crops, I can see my ancestor returning home. But enough about my ancestors.
There was a huge crop failure in Illinois in 1858 that caused some issues with bank failures. As one report put it, "business was completely paralyzed owing to the economic crisis." The crop failure in Illinois in 1858 was so profound that even though 1859 was good it wasn't good enough and the economics of the state of Illinois didn't turn around until the second half of 1860.
There was a huge crop failure in Illinois in 1858 that caused some issues with bank failures. As one report put it, "business was completely paralyzed owing to the economic crisis." The crop failure in Illinois in 1858 was so profound that even though 1859 was good it wasn't good enough and the economics of the state of Illinois didn't turn around until the second half of 1860.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
The Great Gale of 1815
Today this storm would have been called a hurricane. It was a cat 3 and one of the 5 major hurricanes to hit New England.
It hit Long Island, NY, moved across the island and hit land again at Saybrook CT. There was an 11 ft. storm surge that hit Providence, RI was hardest hit. In the book "Ships and shipmasters of old Providence there is a copy of a lithograph and this caption. During the Great Gale o September 23, 1815, ships were tossed about in Market Square; 35 sailboats were blown ashore; 500 buildings were destroyed: and the sloop-of-war Ganges poked her bowsprit into the offices of the Washington Insurance Company. A damage of $1,000,000 was sustained in Providence.
In "The Great Events of the greatest century"©1883 by R. M. Devens I found this image:
The storm continued it's path up thru Boston and then hit parts of Maine. Well were flooded with sea water, making fresh water on the coast towns hard to come by and when they acquired some they paid a hefty price. The sea spray also killed the leaves on the trees. I saw this effect while traveling I10 right after Katrina hit. The trees looked brown where the salt water had hit them. Pine and evergreens were brown on one side and green on the back side to the wind. In 1815 after the great gale they found they had to harvest their root plants and dry them off. If they didn't the vegetables rotted in the ground. The Indian corn was wiped out because it had not ripened before the storm and there was no way to dry out the plants. Some locations, where the corn had started to ripen, managed to harvest some of their crop.
It hit Long Island, NY, moved across the island and hit land again at Saybrook CT. There was an 11 ft. storm surge that hit Providence, RI was hardest hit. In the book "Ships and shipmasters of old Providence there is a copy of a lithograph and this caption. During the Great Gale o September 23, 1815, ships were tossed about in Market Square; 35 sailboats were blown ashore; 500 buildings were destroyed: and the sloop-of-war Ganges poked her bowsprit into the offices of the Washington Insurance Company. A damage of $1,000,000 was sustained in Providence.
The storm continued it's path up thru Boston and then hit parts of Maine. Well were flooded with sea water, making fresh water on the coast towns hard to come by and when they acquired some they paid a hefty price. The sea spray also killed the leaves on the trees. I saw this effect while traveling I10 right after Katrina hit. The trees looked brown where the salt water had hit them. Pine and evergreens were brown on one side and green on the back side to the wind. In 1815 after the great gale they found they had to harvest their root plants and dry them off. If they didn't the vegetables rotted in the ground. The Indian corn was wiped out because it had not ripened before the storm and there was no way to dry out the plants. Some locations, where the corn had started to ripen, managed to harvest some of their crop.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Heat Wave of 1892
With the mention of the blizzard of 1888, I thought it only fitting to bring a little heat to the subject. So, today we have an excerpt of a heat wave that hit North America as well as other parts of the world in 1892. The source for this excerpt is "In the High Heavens" ©1894
THE "HEAT WAVE" OF 1892.
DURING the course of the summer of 1892 the papers frequently described in sufficiently striking paragraphs the abnormally high' temperature which was experienced in many parts of the globe. The first tidings of this nature reached us from America. Thus we read that on the 29th of July the thermometer in the streets of New York had risen to as much as 101° and 102° in the shade. At the meteorological station in that city, where, no doubt, every precaution was adopted to insure accuracy in the record, we find that a temperature of 99° was indicated. The next day—July 30—the ascent of the mercury still continued, and we hear that an observation in the Fifth Avenue showed as much as 107° in the shade. This, however, seems to have been the culmination of what had been somewhat absurdly designated " the great heat-wave." On July 31 the warmth had begun perceptibly to decline, though it was still terribly oppressive.
The descriptions received from various parts of the North American continent show that the heat was almost, if not quite, as great in many other places as it was in New York. From north and south, from east and west, we heard of abnormally high thermometers; we were told that in many localities the work in factories had to be discontinued, as the hands could not stand the heat. In some towns business seems to have been temporarily suspended, and the traffic in the streets ceased during the hottest part of the day. It was also reported from many places that heavy losses were experienced by the death of sheep and cattle. Nor was the great heat-wave without-a tragic aspect. We read of a large number of cases of sunstroke occurring in various parts of America, many of which terminated fatally.
THE "HEAT WAVE" OF 1892.
DURING the course of the summer of 1892 the papers frequently described in sufficiently striking paragraphs the abnormally high' temperature which was experienced in many parts of the globe. The first tidings of this nature reached us from America. Thus we read that on the 29th of July the thermometer in the streets of New York had risen to as much as 101° and 102° in the shade. At the meteorological station in that city, where, no doubt, every precaution was adopted to insure accuracy in the record, we find that a temperature of 99° was indicated. The next day—July 30—the ascent of the mercury still continued, and we hear that an observation in the Fifth Avenue showed as much as 107° in the shade. This, however, seems to have been the culmination of what had been somewhat absurdly designated " the great heat-wave." On July 31 the warmth had begun perceptibly to decline, though it was still terribly oppressive.
The descriptions received from various parts of the North American continent show that the heat was almost, if not quite, as great in many other places as it was in New York. From north and south, from east and west, we heard of abnormally high thermometers; we were told that in many localities the work in factories had to be discontinued, as the hands could not stand the heat. In some towns business seems to have been temporarily suspended, and the traffic in the streets ceased during the hottest part of the day. It was also reported from many places that heavy losses were experienced by the death of sheep and cattle. Nor was the great heat-wave without-a tragic aspect. We read of a large number of cases of sunstroke occurring in various parts of America, many of which terminated fatally.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Great Blizzard of 1888
By the title you know it must have been one of the worst blizzards on record hitting parts of New Jersey, New York and all of New England. The storm continued for three days, March 11th-14th with recorded snow falls of 40 to 50 inches. It was big news at the time and was reported or referred to in various literature for the rest of the century. Below are a couple comments about the blizzard.
The storm did not approach us with the severity which was exhibited in some other States, yet here it had the character of the blizzard. It was something more than an ordinary storm. The snow fell fast and was caught by the wild winds and hurled everywhere. The old highways and the railroads were rendered impassable. The snow came with such force into the eyes of the pedestrian as to blind him; melting near the eye, the other parts of the large bunches of snow would remain fixed and frozen fast to the eye, so that it was his constant work to protect his sight. The snow would follow the breath inhaled into the lungs, and, melting, fill them with water, nearly choking him, if not quite doing the work of strangulation. These are some of the conditions of the blizzard, and many reading this paper who were exposed in this storm will remember these peculiar traits of this blizzard in distinction from the ordinary storm, hence we have the right to give the storm the hardest name yet invented, the blizzard.
Source: Report Vol. 17 by New Hampshire, Dept. of Agriculture ©1888 pg405
During the blizzard of 1888, the coldest point that was reached was four degrees above zero. (New York)
Source: Great Round World and what is going on in it: Vol. 9 pg 236
The storm did not approach us with the severity which was exhibited in some other States, yet here it had the character of the blizzard. It was something more than an ordinary storm. The snow fell fast and was caught by the wild winds and hurled everywhere. The old highways and the railroads were rendered impassable. The snow came with such force into the eyes of the pedestrian as to blind him; melting near the eye, the other parts of the large bunches of snow would remain fixed and frozen fast to the eye, so that it was his constant work to protect his sight. The snow would follow the breath inhaled into the lungs, and, melting, fill them with water, nearly choking him, if not quite doing the work of strangulation. These are some of the conditions of the blizzard, and many reading this paper who were exposed in this storm will remember these peculiar traits of this blizzard in distinction from the ordinary storm, hence we have the right to give the storm the hardest name yet invented, the blizzard.
Source: Report Vol. 17 by New Hampshire, Dept. of Agriculture ©1888 pg405
During the blizzard of 1888, the coldest point that was reached was four degrees above zero. (New York)
Source: Great Round World and what is going on in it: Vol. 9 pg 236
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Average Annual Rainfall in the United States 1886
This comes from Houghtaling's Handbook of Useful Information ©1887
Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inches
Neah Bay, Wash. Ter.. . . . . . . . . . . 123
Sitka, Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Ft. Haskins, Oregon. . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Mt. Vernon, Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Baton Rouge, LA . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Meadow Valley, CA. . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Ft. Tonson, Indiana Ter.. . . . . . . . . . . 57
Ft. Myers, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Washington, Arkansas. . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Huntsville, Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Natchez, Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
New Orleans, Louisianna. . . . . . . . . . 51
Savannah, GA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Springdale, Kentucky. . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Fortress Monroe, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Memphis, Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Newark, New Jersey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Boston, MA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Brunswick, Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Cincinnati, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
New Haven, Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . .44
Philadelphia, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Charleston, S.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
New York City, N.Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Gaston, N. Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Richmond, Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Marietta, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
St. Louis, Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Muscatine, Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Baltimore, Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
New Bedford, MA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Providence, Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Ft. Smith, Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Hanover, New Hampshire . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Ft. Vancouver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Cleveland, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
PIttsburgh, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Washington, D. C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
White Sulphur Springs, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Ft. Gibson, Indian Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Key West, Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Peoria, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Burlington, Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Buffalo, New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Ft. Brown, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Detroit, Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Milwaukee, Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Penn Yan, New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Ft. Kearney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Ft. Snelling, Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Salt Lake City, Utah Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Mackinac, Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
San Francisco, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Dallas, Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sacramento, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Ft. Massachusetts, Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ft. Marcy, New Mexico Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Ft. Randall, Dakota Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Ft. Defiance, Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ft. Craig, New Mexico Ter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
San Diego, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ft. Colville, Washington Ter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ft. Bliss, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Ft. Bridger, Utah Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ft. Garland, Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inches
Neah Bay, Wash. Ter.. . . . . . . . . . . 123
Sitka, Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Ft. Haskins, Oregon. . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Mt. Vernon, Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Baton Rouge, LA . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Meadow Valley, CA. . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Ft. Tonson, Indiana Ter.. . . . . . . . . . . 57
Ft. Myers, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Washington, Arkansas. . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Huntsville, Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Natchez, Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
New Orleans, Louisianna. . . . . . . . . . 51
Savannah, GA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Springdale, Kentucky. . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Fortress Monroe, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Memphis, Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Newark, New Jersey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Boston, MA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Brunswick, Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Cincinnati, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
New Haven, Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . .44
Philadelphia, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Charleston, S.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
New York City, N.Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Gaston, N. Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Richmond, Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Marietta, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
St. Louis, Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Muscatine, Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Baltimore, Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
New Bedford, MA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Providence, Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Ft. Smith, Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Hanover, New Hampshire . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Ft. Vancouver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Cleveland, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
PIttsburgh, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Washington, D. C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
White Sulphur Springs, Va. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Ft. Gibson, Indian Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Key West, Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Peoria, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Burlington, Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Buffalo, New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Ft. Brown, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Detroit, Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Milwaukee, Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Penn Yan, New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Ft. Kearney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Ft. Snelling, Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Salt Lake City, Utah Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Mackinac, Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
San Francisco, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Dallas, Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sacramento, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Ft. Massachusetts, Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ft. Marcy, New Mexico Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Ft. Randall, Dakota Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Ft. Defiance, Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ft. Craig, New Mexico Ter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
San Diego, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ft. Colville, Washington Ter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ft. Bliss, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Ft. Bridger, Utah Ter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ft. Garland, Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Average Annual Temperature in United States 1887
Place of Average
Observation Temperature
Tucson, Arizona . . . . 69
Jacksonville, FL. . . . 69
New Orleans, LA. . . 69
Austin, Tx . . . . . . . .67
Mobile, Al . . . . . . . .66
Jackson, Mississippi. .64
Little Rock, AR . . . . 63
Columbia, S.C. . . . . .62
Ft. Gibson, Indian Ter 60
Raleigh, N.C. . . . . .59
Atlantia, GA . . . . . .58
Nashville, Tn. . . . . .58
Richmond, VA . . . . 57
Louisville, Ky. . . . . 56
San Francisco, CA . . 55
Washington, D.C. . . .55
St. Louis, Missouri . . 55
Baltimore, Maryland . 54
Harrisburg, PA . . . . . 54
Wilmington, De. . . . .53
Trenton, NJ . . . . . . . 53
Columbus, OH . . . . .53
Portland, Or . . . . . . .53
Ft. Boise, Idaho. . . . .52
Salt Lake City, Ut . . .52
Romney, W.V. . . . . .52
Indianapolis, IN . . . . 51
Leavenworth, KS . . . 51
Santa Fe, N.M. Ter. . .51
Sterlacoom, W. Ter. . .51
Hartford, CT. . . . . . . 50
Springfield, IL. . . . . . 50
Camp Scott, NV. . . . .50
Des Moines, IA. . . . . 49
Omaha, NE . . . . . . . .49
Denver, CO. . . . . . . . 48
Boston, MA. . . . . . . . 48
Albany, NY. . . . . . . . 48
Providence, RI . . . . . .48
Detroit, MI. . . . . . . . . 47
Ft. Randall, Dakota Ter. .47
Sitka, Alaska . . . . . . . 46
Concord, NH . . . . . . . 46
Augusta, Me . . . . . . . .45
Madison, Wisconsin . . 45
Helena, Montana Ter . . 43
Montpelier, Vermont. . . 43
St. Paul, Minnesota . . . .42
Observation Temperature
Tucson, Arizona . . . . 69
Jacksonville, FL. . . . 69
New Orleans, LA. . . 69
Austin, Tx . . . . . . . .67
Mobile, Al . . . . . . . .66
Jackson, Mississippi. .64
Little Rock, AR . . . . 63
Columbia, S.C. . . . . .62
Ft. Gibson, Indian Ter 60
Raleigh, N.C. . . . . .59
Atlantia, GA . . . . . .58
Nashville, Tn. . . . . .58
Richmond, VA . . . . 57
Louisville, Ky. . . . . 56
San Francisco, CA . . 55
Washington, D.C. . . .55
St. Louis, Missouri . . 55
Baltimore, Maryland . 54
Harrisburg, PA . . . . . 54
Wilmington, De. . . . .53
Trenton, NJ . . . . . . . 53
Columbus, OH . . . . .53
Portland, Or . . . . . . .53
Ft. Boise, Idaho. . . . .52
Salt Lake City, Ut . . .52
Romney, W.V. . . . . .52
Indianapolis, IN . . . . 51
Leavenworth, KS . . . 51
Santa Fe, N.M. Ter. . .51
Sterlacoom, W. Ter. . .51
Hartford, CT. . . . . . . 50
Springfield, IL. . . . . . 50
Camp Scott, NV. . . . .50
Des Moines, IA. . . . . 49
Omaha, NE . . . . . . . .49
Denver, CO. . . . . . . . 48
Boston, MA. . . . . . . . 48
Albany, NY. . . . . . . . 48
Providence, RI . . . . . .48
Detroit, MI. . . . . . . . . 47
Ft. Randall, Dakota Ter. .47
Sitka, Alaska . . . . . . . 46
Concord, NH . . . . . . . 46
Augusta, Me . . . . . . . .45
Madison, Wisconsin . . 45
Helena, Montana Ter . . 43
Montpelier, Vermont. . . 43
St. Paul, Minnesota . . . .42
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Weather Science
I've posted about the weather and predicting the weather that was used by many in the 19th century. Sometimes these predictions held true and sometimes they didn't. Below is a post from the Meteorological tables and Climatology of Vermont ©1877 that I believe shows a nice overview of how 19th century man understood the atmosphere.
THE ATMOSPHERE.
It is desirable that all should have a general understanding of our atmosphere, and the laws by which our storms are regulated or produced, and to render such instructive I shall say something of the history of Meteorological' Science, and also of familiar signs as well as instrumental observations. Two hundred and fifty years ago it was not known that we had an atmosphere. All the phenomena it produces were explained upon other principles, some of them showing the wildest theories and the most absurd ideas. The creation of the atmosphere as declared in Genesis, as the "firmament" dividing the waters, was not understood. A vague and unmeaning explanation was given it. When it was discovered that there was in reality an aeriform fluid surrounding the earth, possessing weight, color, power of diffusing light and heat, and necessary to the existence of all animal and vegetable life, it struck with wonder and astonishment all the learned throughout the world. So wonderful and incredible did it at first appear, that it was not until after the lapse of several years, till opinions which had prevailed for ages were overthrown,'and the most decisive experiments had been performed in every possible way, that it was cordially received. This atmosphere is composed mainly of two gases, nitrogen and oxygen. It was, however, less than eighty years ago, supposed to be a simple body, but is now known to be composed of about eighty parts by measure of nitrogen, and twenty parts of oxygen. It may be necessary to offer a few remarks on these gases, opposite in their nature ; entering into no chemical union, yet being combined in so exact proportion as to support animal and vegetable life, and the smallest change, perhaps, detrimental to either. Oxygen gas is eminently the supporter of combustion, and ignited substances burn in it with the most intense brilliancy. Even shavings of zinc and iron may be ignited, by dipping the ends in melted brimstone, and introducing them into this gas while the brimstone is on fire. They then burn with intense heat and give a peculiar light, exemphiying the fact that if our globe was surrounded by an increased amount of oxygen, many now incombustible substances could be burned.
Nitrogen gas is exactly opposite in quality. It will extinguish fire as well as water, and will soon kill any animal that breathes it uncombined with oxygen. Yet four fifths of the air we breathe is this noxious substance.
Oxygen is the life-giving element, and as this is largely consumed in combustion and respiration, and by those processes replaced by an equal volume of carbonic acid, which is detrimental to animal life, it would seem that the atmosphere would at length become deleterious. This would be the case, were it not for vegetation, which by aid of the sun's rays, absorbs the carbonic acid, and gives off, after the appropriation of the carbon, oxygen for the animal. Thus the animal and vegetable mutually support each other; I say support, as breathing affords three fourths of our own nourishment; leaving the other quarter, only, to be supplied by food. With this unceasing metamorphosis in beings and things, goes on a continuous exchange, by virtue of which the gases of the atmosphere take up their abode in animal and plant. Each atom of air, therefore, passes from life to life as it escapes from death after death, being in turn wind, flood, animal, plant, or flower, being successively employed in the composition of thousands of plants and animals.
It is the inexhaustible source from whence everything that lives draws much the largest share of its support, and into which everything that dies contributes. Under its action vegetables and animals are brought into existence and then perish.
Life and death are alike taken in at every respiration, and the atom of oxygen which escapes from the blade of grass may find its way into the lungs of the infant in the cradle; or the last sigh of a dying man go to nourish the brilliant petal of a flower.
THE ATMOSPHERE.
It is desirable that all should have a general understanding of our atmosphere, and the laws by which our storms are regulated or produced, and to render such instructive I shall say something of the history of Meteorological' Science, and also of familiar signs as well as instrumental observations. Two hundred and fifty years ago it was not known that we had an atmosphere. All the phenomena it produces were explained upon other principles, some of them showing the wildest theories and the most absurd ideas. The creation of the atmosphere as declared in Genesis, as the "firmament" dividing the waters, was not understood. A vague and unmeaning explanation was given it. When it was discovered that there was in reality an aeriform fluid surrounding the earth, possessing weight, color, power of diffusing light and heat, and necessary to the existence of all animal and vegetable life, it struck with wonder and astonishment all the learned throughout the world. So wonderful and incredible did it at first appear, that it was not until after the lapse of several years, till opinions which had prevailed for ages were overthrown,'and the most decisive experiments had been performed in every possible way, that it was cordially received. This atmosphere is composed mainly of two gases, nitrogen and oxygen. It was, however, less than eighty years ago, supposed to be a simple body, but is now known to be composed of about eighty parts by measure of nitrogen, and twenty parts of oxygen. It may be necessary to offer a few remarks on these gases, opposite in their nature ; entering into no chemical union, yet being combined in so exact proportion as to support animal and vegetable life, and the smallest change, perhaps, detrimental to either. Oxygen gas is eminently the supporter of combustion, and ignited substances burn in it with the most intense brilliancy. Even shavings of zinc and iron may be ignited, by dipping the ends in melted brimstone, and introducing them into this gas while the brimstone is on fire. They then burn with intense heat and give a peculiar light, exemphiying the fact that if our globe was surrounded by an increased amount of oxygen, many now incombustible substances could be burned.
Nitrogen gas is exactly opposite in quality. It will extinguish fire as well as water, and will soon kill any animal that breathes it uncombined with oxygen. Yet four fifths of the air we breathe is this noxious substance.
Oxygen is the life-giving element, and as this is largely consumed in combustion and respiration, and by those processes replaced by an equal volume of carbonic acid, which is detrimental to animal life, it would seem that the atmosphere would at length become deleterious. This would be the case, were it not for vegetation, which by aid of the sun's rays, absorbs the carbonic acid, and gives off, after the appropriation of the carbon, oxygen for the animal. Thus the animal and vegetable mutually support each other; I say support, as breathing affords three fourths of our own nourishment; leaving the other quarter, only, to be supplied by food. With this unceasing metamorphosis in beings and things, goes on a continuous exchange, by virtue of which the gases of the atmosphere take up their abode in animal and plant. Each atom of air, therefore, passes from life to life as it escapes from death after death, being in turn wind, flood, animal, plant, or flower, being successively employed in the composition of thousands of plants and animals.
It is the inexhaustible source from whence everything that lives draws much the largest share of its support, and into which everything that dies contributes. Under its action vegetables and animals are brought into existence and then perish.
Life and death are alike taken in at every respiration, and the atom of oxygen which escapes from the blade of grass may find its way into the lungs of the infant in the cradle; or the last sigh of a dying man go to nourish the brilliant petal of a flower.
Weather Concerning Herschel's Table
As with many things today there is great dispute about what works what doesn't, etc. The 19th century also had such differing opinions. Below you will find two quotes one that's not to excited about Herschel's table and another that agrees.
This comes from the Meteorological tables and climatology of Vermont ©1877 by Hiram Adolphus Cutting
There is another class of signs which some believe in, that are merely superstitions, having no foundation in fact. The Hindoos have their rain gods, the South Sea Islanders their wind conjurers, and the negroes of Africa their rain doctors ; and previously we had our weather Almanacs and our Herschel's weather tables, one just as good as the other. Not many }'ears ago that celebrated Herschel's weather table, which Herschel never saw, was considered almost infallible, and Thomas' Almanac quite so ; but all enlightened people, unless some whose age has outgrown science, discard them. For the last thirty years our storms have taken place without regard to moon's quarters. We have had 2,668 storms, divided as follows: at new moon, 660; first quarter, 664; full moon, 668; last quarter, 676. This shows very plainly that the moon has nothing to do with storms. If the generally received idea was true, what little difference there is goes directly against it. The truth is that the moon has so little, if any, influence upon the weather, that men have never found out which way it is ; and I can say, without fear of contradiction, that rain and wind doctors, and Hindoo gods, have just as much to do with the weather as this weather table, and no more.
English Mechanic and World of Science ©1883
THE REPUDIATED WEATHER TABLE.
[20549]—Let Us now examine Herschel's weather table, as improved by Dr. Adam Clarke. Sunday, January 30th, 1881, n
I find that Saturday and Sunday moons coincide with the worst parts of the weather according to the weather table, and the 20-day period agrees with both. The eastern edge of the storm path I»"es over the British Islands, so that storms occasionally miss us altogether. Full moon, 7th IMober, 1881, came when the moon was ascendant jour days past perigee. Full moon, 25th November, 1882, will come four days past perigee. New moon, October 23rd, 1881, came seven days past apogee. New moon, December 10th. 1882, will come seven days past apogee. Full moon, December 24th, 1832, comes seven days past perigee. We shall see how the conditions agree this time. W. M. Gardner.
This comes from the Meteorological tables and climatology of Vermont ©1877 by Hiram Adolphus Cutting
There is another class of signs which some believe in, that are merely superstitions, having no foundation in fact. The Hindoos have their rain gods, the South Sea Islanders their wind conjurers, and the negroes of Africa their rain doctors ; and previously we had our weather Almanacs and our Herschel's weather tables, one just as good as the other. Not many }'ears ago that celebrated Herschel's weather table, which Herschel never saw, was considered almost infallible, and Thomas' Almanac quite so ; but all enlightened people, unless some whose age has outgrown science, discard them. For the last thirty years our storms have taken place without regard to moon's quarters. We have had 2,668 storms, divided as follows: at new moon, 660; first quarter, 664; full moon, 668; last quarter, 676. This shows very plainly that the moon has nothing to do with storms. If the generally received idea was true, what little difference there is goes directly against it. The truth is that the moon has so little, if any, influence upon the weather, that men have never found out which way it is ; and I can say, without fear of contradiction, that rain and wind doctors, and Hindoo gods, have just as much to do with the weather as this weather table, and no more.
English Mechanic and World of Science ©1883
THE REPUDIATED WEATHER TABLE.
[20549]—Let Us now examine Herschel's weather table, as improved by Dr. Adam Clarke. Sunday, January 30th, 1881, n
I find that Saturday and Sunday moons coincide with the worst parts of the weather according to the weather table, and the 20-day period agrees with both. The eastern edge of the storm path I»"es over the British Islands, so that storms occasionally miss us altogether. Full moon, 7th IMober, 1881, came when the moon was ascendant jour days past perigee. Full moon, 25th November, 1882, will come four days past perigee. New moon, October 23rd, 1881, came seven days past apogee. New moon, December 10th. 1882, will come seven days past apogee. Full moon, December 24th, 1832, comes seven days past perigee. We shall see how the conditions agree this time. W. M. Gardner.
Herschel's Weather Table
This comes from Houghtaling's Handbook ©1887
Herschel's Weather-table for foretelling the Weather, throughout each year, forever
This Table and the accompanying remarks are the result of many years' observation, the whole being constructed on a due consideration of the attraction of the Sun and Moon, in their several positions repspecting the Earth, and will by simply inspection, show the ovserver what kind of weather will most probably follow the entrance of the Moon into any of its quarters, and that so near the truth as to be seldom or never found to fail.
The Chart
Observations 1. The nearer the time of the Moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter are to Midnight the fairer will be the weather during the next seven days, 2. The space for this calculation occupies from ten at night till two next morning. 3. The nearer to Midday or Noon the phases or the Moon happens, the more foul or wet weather may be expected during the next seven days. 4. The space for this calculation occupies from ten in the forenoon to two in the afternoon. These observations refer principally to the Summer, though they effect Spring and Autumn nearly the same ratio. 5. The Moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter, happening during six of the afternoon house, I.E. from four to ten, may be followed by fair weather; but this is mostly dependent on the wind, as is noted in the table. 6. Though the weather, from a variety of irregular causes, is more uncertain in the latter part of Autumn, the whole of Winter, and the beginning of Spring, yet in the main the above observations wil apply to those periods also. 7. To prognosticate correctly, where the Wind is concerned, a Vane should be in sight.
Herschel's Weather-table for foretelling the Weather, throughout each year, forever
This Table and the accompanying remarks are the result of many years' observation, the whole being constructed on a due consideration of the attraction of the Sun and Moon, in their several positions repspecting the Earth, and will by simply inspection, show the ovserver what kind of weather will most probably follow the entrance of the Moon into any of its quarters, and that so near the truth as to be seldom or never found to fail.
The Chart
Observations 1. The nearer the time of the Moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter are to Midnight the fairer will be the weather during the next seven days, 2. The space for this calculation occupies from ten at night till two next morning. 3. The nearer to Midday or Noon the phases or the Moon happens, the more foul or wet weather may be expected during the next seven days. 4. The space for this calculation occupies from ten in the forenoon to two in the afternoon. These observations refer principally to the Summer, though they effect Spring and Autumn nearly the same ratio. 5. The Moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter, happening during six of the afternoon house, I.E. from four to ten, may be followed by fair weather; but this is mostly dependent on the wind, as is noted in the table. 6. Though the weather, from a variety of irregular causes, is more uncertain in the latter part of Autumn, the whole of Winter, and the beginning of Spring, yet in the main the above observations wil apply to those periods also. 7. To prognosticate correctly, where the Wind is concerned, a Vane should be in sight.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Wind Gale or Sun Dog
I ran across this interesting term while reading "Narrative of a Whaling Voyage Round the globe, from the year 1833 to 1836 by Frederick Bennett ©1840 The observation below was dated Nov. 6, 1833 off the coast of the Portuguese Island Madeira.
While thus detained, we noticed the phenomenon named by nautical men a " wind-gall," (query, "wind-gale?") or "sun-dog;"—abroad and perpendicular streak of iridescent colours, placed opposite the sun, and extending from a dark cloud to the verge of the horizon. It may be considered to be a fragment of a rainbow ; though its colours are much less delicate and diversified than those of the ordinary meteor of that name, and chiefly consist of a lurid-red, or copper-colour, and a bright olive-green, dividing the column vertically and in nearly equal proportions. Sailors consider its appearance a precursor of foul weather; nor had we, in this instance, any reason to doubt the correctness of their conclusion; since the succeeding night brought a heavy gale of wind, attended with thunder, lightning, and torrents of rain; and the presence of an ignis fatuus * on the summit of each mast-head, gleaming with its peculiar sickly and supernatural light.
* These mysterious meteors, so frequently observed during a thunder-storm at sea, have invariably a globular form, are about the size of a tennis-ball, and emit a paleblue light. They occasionally appear to pass rapidly from one part of the ship to another, or to drop from the mast-head to the yards beneath, remaining stationary on each for a few moments. Many names have been given to them. When one only is visible it is called Corpo Santo, or St. Helena; -when two, Castor and Pollux; and more, Tyndaridae, or St. Elmo's fire. It is probable that their origin is to be found in the effects of evaporation ; for, however much the atmosphere may have been surcharged with electricity, during tempests at sea, I have never observed them but as attendants upon rain.
I added this link Sun dog where you can see a picture of this as well.
While thus detained, we noticed the phenomenon named by nautical men a " wind-gall," (query, "wind-gale?") or "sun-dog;"—abroad and perpendicular streak of iridescent colours, placed opposite the sun, and extending from a dark cloud to the verge of the horizon. It may be considered to be a fragment of a rainbow ; though its colours are much less delicate and diversified than those of the ordinary meteor of that name, and chiefly consist of a lurid-red, or copper-colour, and a bright olive-green, dividing the column vertically and in nearly equal proportions. Sailors consider its appearance a precursor of foul weather; nor had we, in this instance, any reason to doubt the correctness of their conclusion; since the succeeding night brought a heavy gale of wind, attended with thunder, lightning, and torrents of rain; and the presence of an ignis fatuus * on the summit of each mast-head, gleaming with its peculiar sickly and supernatural light.
* These mysterious meteors, so frequently observed during a thunder-storm at sea, have invariably a globular form, are about the size of a tennis-ball, and emit a paleblue light. They occasionally appear to pass rapidly from one part of the ship to another, or to drop from the mast-head to the yards beneath, remaining stationary on each for a few moments. Many names have been given to them. When one only is visible it is called Corpo Santo, or St. Helena; -when two, Castor and Pollux; and more, Tyndaridae, or St. Elmo's fire. It is probable that their origin is to be found in the effects of evaporation ; for, however much the atmosphere may have been surcharged with electricity, during tempests at sea, I have never observed them but as attendants upon rain.
I added this link Sun dog where you can see a picture of this as well.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
1885-1886 Kansas Winter
I came across this tidbit from the Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.
The latest guess of the weather prophet is on the rounds. Here it is. Old chicken hunters say the coming winter is going to be an unusually hard one. The thick coating of feathers on the bird indicates cold weather, and the short tails indicate much snow.
So I checked the weather of Kansas in the winter of 1885-1886.
In an excerpt from Holding Down a Kansas Claim put out by the Kansas Historical Society in their quarterlies collection there is a quote from a Catherine Wiggins Porter, who lived in Northwest Kansas during this time.
In the blizzard [of January, 1886] thousands of cattle were lost and died. There were no large herds of cattle in our particular part of the country, but farther north the cattle wintering on the range "drifted" southward with the storm into the draws which were level-full with snow, couldn't get out, and froze to death.
If you would like to read more of this account here's a link the the web page. Link
Another account in Meade County Kansas spoke of the loss of the cattle from that winter as well as the year before.
But 1884 and 1885 were two very cold winters. So severe that many were frozen before the drift fence. So the second year, when the weather became too severe and stormy so that they began to stand along the drift fences and freeze, the cattlemen saw their folly and cut the fence and let them go south where it was warmer. They decided it was better to let them go altogether even if it cost more. The cattle of different brands were mixed together. So the cattlemen had a meeting and planned to send men according to the number of cattle. The ranchers sent out one mess wagon each, then cowboys, one horse rustler, and seven ponies so that each cowboy had one for each day of the week, making 70 in all. Then Yeepee o-o-o-o! and away we go for the round-up. Follow this link for the rest of the post Link
And in the KS cyclopedia 1912 this excerpt says:
While there was more or less loss of life during the early settlement of Kansas from these causes, the blizzard of Dec., 1885, and Jan., 1886, was probably the most destructive to life and property of any storm that ever swept over the state. This storm was general from the mountains to the Missouri river. It started in the latter part of Dec., 1885, and an unbroken blanket of snow extended from Williams, N. Mex., to Kansas City. Railroad traffic on the plains was practically suspended. The weather moderating, railroad traffic was resumed, when another storm, more serious than the first, again tied up traffic, this time completely. Temperature during the month of January ranged from 12° below zero at Atchison to 25° below at Junction City, and 18° below at Dodge City. A 44-mile wind a part of the time helped make things lively at the last named place. All over the southwestern part of the state the precipitation was chiefly sleet, which left the ground covered with ice. A big cut on the Union Pacific near Salina was completely covered with snow, and it required the combined efforts of all section men on the road between Lawrence and Brookville for nearly 16 hours with picks and shovels to open it for traffic. This cut was about 20 feet deep and a quarter of a mile long, and eleven locomotives were employed in "bucking" the snow, but they all became stalled and had to be dug out. Many points on the railroads were a week without mail from the outside world, and cattle losses from some sections were reported from three to twenty-five per cent.
Basically this all proves that animals can and do forecast the weather.
The latest guess of the weather prophet is on the rounds. Here it is. Old chicken hunters say the coming winter is going to be an unusually hard one. The thick coating of feathers on the bird indicates cold weather, and the short tails indicate much snow.
So I checked the weather of Kansas in the winter of 1885-1886.
In an excerpt from Holding Down a Kansas Claim put out by the Kansas Historical Society in their quarterlies collection there is a quote from a Catherine Wiggins Porter, who lived in Northwest Kansas during this time.
In the blizzard [of January, 1886] thousands of cattle were lost and died. There were no large herds of cattle in our particular part of the country, but farther north the cattle wintering on the range "drifted" southward with the storm into the draws which were level-full with snow, couldn't get out, and froze to death.
If you would like to read more of this account here's a link the the web page. Link
Another account in Meade County Kansas spoke of the loss of the cattle from that winter as well as the year before.
But 1884 and 1885 were two very cold winters. So severe that many were frozen before the drift fence. So the second year, when the weather became too severe and stormy so that they began to stand along the drift fences and freeze, the cattlemen saw their folly and cut the fence and let them go south where it was warmer. They decided it was better to let them go altogether even if it cost more. The cattle of different brands were mixed together. So the cattlemen had a meeting and planned to send men according to the number of cattle. The ranchers sent out one mess wagon each, then cowboys, one horse rustler, and seven ponies so that each cowboy had one for each day of the week, making 70 in all. Then Yeepee o-o-o-o! and away we go for the round-up. Follow this link for the rest of the post Link
And in the KS cyclopedia 1912 this excerpt says:
While there was more or less loss of life during the early settlement of Kansas from these causes, the blizzard of Dec., 1885, and Jan., 1886, was probably the most destructive to life and property of any storm that ever swept over the state. This storm was general from the mountains to the Missouri river. It started in the latter part of Dec., 1885, and an unbroken blanket of snow extended from Williams, N. Mex., to Kansas City. Railroad traffic on the plains was practically suspended. The weather moderating, railroad traffic was resumed, when another storm, more serious than the first, again tied up traffic, this time completely. Temperature during the month of January ranged from 12° below zero at Atchison to 25° below at Junction City, and 18° below at Dodge City. A 44-mile wind a part of the time helped make things lively at the last named place. All over the southwestern part of the state the precipitation was chiefly sleet, which left the ground covered with ice. A big cut on the Union Pacific near Salina was completely covered with snow, and it required the combined efforts of all section men on the road between Lawrence and Brookville for nearly 16 hours with picks and shovels to open it for traffic. This cut was about 20 feet deep and a quarter of a mile long, and eleven locomotives were employed in "bucking" the snow, but they all became stalled and had to be dug out. Many points on the railroads were a week without mail from the outside world, and cattle losses from some sections were reported from three to twenty-five per cent.
Basically this all proves that animals can and do forecast the weather.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Weather Observations
Observation.
1. The nearer the time of the moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter, are to midnight, the fairer will the weather be during the seven days following.
2. The space for this calculation occupies from ten at night till two next morning.
3. The nearer to midday, or noon, the phases of the moon happen, the more foul or wet weather may be expected during the next seven days.
4. The space for this calculation occupies from ten in the forenoon to two in the afternoon. These observations refer principally to the summer, though they affect spring and autumn nearly in the same ratio.
6. The moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter, happening during six of the afternoon hours, i. e. from four to ten, may be followed by fair weather; but this is mostly dependent on the wind, as is noted in the table.
6. Though the weather, from a variety of irregular causes, is more uncertain in the latter part of autumn, the whole of Ht s the beginning of spring, yet, in the main, the above observations will apply to those periods also.
7. To prognosticate correctly, especially in those cases where the wind in concerned, the observer should tw within sight of a good vane, where the four cardinal points of the heavens are correctly placed.
Source: The Farmer's Almanack ©1841
1. The nearer the time of the moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter, are to midnight, the fairer will the weather be during the seven days following.
2. The space for this calculation occupies from ten at night till two next morning.
3. The nearer to midday, or noon, the phases of the moon happen, the more foul or wet weather may be expected during the next seven days.
4. The space for this calculation occupies from ten in the forenoon to two in the afternoon. These observations refer principally to the summer, though they affect spring and autumn nearly in the same ratio.
6. The moon's change, first quarter, full and last quarter, happening during six of the afternoon hours, i. e. from four to ten, may be followed by fair weather; but this is mostly dependent on the wind, as is noted in the table.
6. Though the weather, from a variety of irregular causes, is more uncertain in the latter part of autumn, the whole of Ht s the beginning of spring, yet, in the main, the above observations will apply to those periods also.
7. To prognosticate correctly, especially in those cases where the wind in concerned, the observer should tw within sight of a good vane, where the four cardinal points of the heavens are correctly placed.
Source: The Farmer's Almanack ©1841
Friday, March 14, 2014
1842 February Weather
Below is a weather chart taken from a book simply entitled documents. It is dealing with all kinds of documents presented to the Senate in the state of Massachusetts. Finding records of weather and temperatures during the 19th century is difficult but once in a while you come upon something such as this. Do searches for snowstorm, or rainfall, etc. as well as the state you're looking for. You might be surprised what you may find.
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