The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 2 (of 3): or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the AlmanacHone, William
History
The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 2 (of 3): or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac
Hone, William
Days; Great Britain -- Social life and customs
On the 16th and 17th of January, 1809, Mr. Howard observed, that the
snow exhibited the beautiful blue and pink shades at sunset which are
sometimes observable, and that there was a strong evaporation from its
surface. A circular area, of five inches diameter, lost 150 grains troy,
from sunset on the 15th to sunrise next morning, and about 50 grains
more by the following sunset; the gauge being exposed to a smart breeze
on the house top. The curious reader may hence compute for himself, the
enormous quantity raised in those 24 hours, without any visible
liquefaction, from an acre of snow: the effects of the load thus given
to the air were soon perceptible. On the 17th, a small brilliant meteor
descended on the S. E. horizon about 6 p. m. On the 18th, though the
moon was still conspicuous, the horns of the crescent were obtuse. On
the 19th appeared the _Cirrus_ cloud, followed by the _Cirrostratus_. In
the afternoon a freezing shower from the eastward glazed the windows,
encrusted the walls, and encased the trees, the garments of passengers,
and the very plumage of the birds with ice. Birds thus disabled were
seen lying on the ground in great numbers in different parts of the
country. Nineteen rooks were taken up alive by one person at Castle
Eaton Meadow, Wilts. The composition of this frozen shower, examined on
a sheet of paper, was no less curious than these effects. It consisted
of hollow spherules of ice, filled with water; of transparent globules
of hail; and of drops of water at the point of freezing, which became
solid on touching the bodies they fell on. The thermometer exposed from
the window indicated 30,5°. This was at Plaistow. The shower was
followed by a moderate fall of snow. From this time to the 24th, there
were variable winds and frequent falls of snow, which came down on the
22d in flakes as large as dollars, with sleet at intervals. On the 24th
a steady rain from W. decided for a thaw. This and the following night
proved stormy: the melted snow and rain, making about two inches depth
of water on the level, descended suddenly by the rivers, and the country
was inundated to a greater extent than in the year 1795. The River Lea
continued rising the whole of the 26th, remained stationary during the
27th, and returned into its bed in the course of the two following days.
The various channels by which it intersects this part of the country
were united in one current, above a mile in width, which flowed with
great impetuosity, and did much damage. From breaches in the banks and
mounds, the different _levels_, as they are termed, of embanked pasture
land, were filled to the depth of eight or nine feet. The cattle, by
great exertions, were preserved, being mostly in the stall; and the
inhabitants, driven to their upper rooms, were relieved by boats plying
under the windows. The Thames was so full during this time, that no tide
was perceptible; happily, however, its bank suffered no injury; and the
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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