Thomas Beddoes to the Editor of A Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Arts, 9 June 1801
Sir
Many years ago it occurred to me, that the general nature of our summers might be anticipated in the spring, and sometimes in winter. I have frequently hazarded a prediction, and I begin to acquire some confidence in my rule.
It is founded on the effect of melting substances, particularly snow, upon temperature. In applying this fact to meteorology, I say, if there be an unusual fall of snow in the countries to the N. and N. E. our summer, cæteris paribus, will be cold and wet. In the winter of 1798 and 1799, I observed in the public papers frequent mention of immense falls of snow in these hyperborean regions, and you know what our summer was. From the best information I could procure, I collected the contrary during the two last winters; and I prophesied accordingly.
I do not take the word summer in the strict astronomical sense, otherwise it would be too soon to talk of that of 1801; and still the approaching season may seem to put my system to shame. But observe, Sir, that I do not pretend to be acquainted with all the different causes of atmospherical refrigeration; and I only point out one, the most decisive perhaps that exists, but still capable of counteraction, and for which there may be a substitute when it is not present.
Some of your readers may perhaps think of trying what I advance by a reference to meteorological tables. But you will remark, that they do not supply the requisite data. This is at least the case with those to which it is in my power to have access; and I wish any hint from me may occasion a fact so essential to us, to be annually ascertained as far as it can be done with accuracy. The snow that may fall in England is of small account; though I suppose an unusual fall here may often accompany an unusual fall in the countries from Jutland to Tobolsk.
I shall now trouble you with another winter speculation, that may lead to experiments in future beneficial. In mild winters there can, I suppose, be no doubt of the vegetation of the grasses. It has often appeared to me, that it goes on unequally in different grasses; and I believe I could name some which grow at a temperature not greatly exceeding 40°. However, I shall content myself with proposing it to persons of more leisure, to ascertain by actual weight and measure, what is the constitution of the different individuals of this family with regard to temperature. If certain grasses of good quality should grow at a temperature lower than that at which others will grow, it would evidently be desireable to have winter pastures and water-meadows of such grasses.
It would likewise be desireable to extend these experiments to our highest summer heat, with due attention to moisture and light.
I am, Sir,
Your’s respectfully,
Thomas Beddoes
Clifton, June 9, 1801.
Published: The Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Arts, 5 (1802) 131–32 under the title On the Means of foretelling the Character of the Summer Season, and the Benefits to be expected from the Cultivation of Grasses which vegetate at low Temperatures. In a Letter from Dr. Tho. Beddoes.