The Cycle of Sun-spots and Rainfall

Abstract

MAY I venture to ask insertion for the following remarks on the cycle of sun-spots and rainfall? I frequently receive inquiries regarding the meteorological aspects of the Indian famine and the prospects of Madras during the coming monsoon. But I beg to state that the object of my investigations is not at present to predict the future, but simply to ascertain the past, facts. When we are quite sure of the data it will be time enough to apply them. In order to secure a stable basis it has been necessary to work up a vast accumulation of meteorological returns which have never been previously collated, and to make further references to India, Germany, and America. Some time must still elapse before the results can be presented as a whole. Meanwhile I should be obliged if you would give insertion to the facts with regard to two points which seem at present to have a special interest to the public.