It is a fact that many times, by the operation of forces not indicated by the surface readings, the barometer at the center of a storm begins to rise and the velocity of the whirling mass to decrease. In such a case the storm signals placed in advance of the storm center would fail to give the proper information. Again, the storm center may suddenly acquire a force not anticipated, or it may pursue a track considerably divergent from the normal for the location and season. In this case, also, the forecasts may warn some cities that fail to receive the effects of the storm. However, during the past few years the staff of the Weather Bureau, which includes the ablest meteorologists in the United States, has made a study of the peculiarities of the different types of storms occurring in the different localities during the various seasons of the year, their line of travel and the force they may be expected to attain. Competitive examinations have been held to test the comparative merits of those who, by natural ability, are best fitted to correctly and quickly correlate in their minds the conditions shown on a meteorological chart, and to make accurate deductions therefrom as to the development, movement, and force of storms. This line of work and investigation has resulted in improved forecasts; so much so that mariners now universally heed the storm warnings; horticulturists and truck gardeners make ample provision for protection against frost; the shippers of perishable produce give full credence to the cold wave predictions. Of the many West Indian hurricanes which have swept our Atlantic seaboard from Florida to Maine during the past many years, not one has reached a single seaport without danger warnings being sent well in advance of the storm; and few unnecessary warnings have been issued. The result is that few disasters of consequence have occurred. Large owners of marine property estimate that one of these severe storms traversing our Atlantic coast in the absence of danger signals would leave not less than three million dollars’ worth of wreckage. Twice a census was taken just after the passage of severe hurricanes to determine the value of property held in port by the danger warning sent out in advance of the storms. In one case the figure was placed at thirty-four million dollars and in the other thirty-eight million dollars. Of course this does not represent the value of property saved. It simply shows the value of property placed in positions of safety as a result of the danger signals and warning messages sent to masters.