144

Sydney Observatory
October 4 1870

Sir

I have again to urge your compliance with printed instructions for you still send in your rain measures in decimals both in your daily returns and monthly.

And the instructions are definite “the number of divisions under water”, you are also very confident that you have made no mistake in the return but on the 20th September a rather large error occurred in your rainfall as entered in the ?? either in the weight or measure which I shall be glad to have corrected.

The Government Printer has not yet sent in the note Books but one will be sent to you as soon as they are received.

If the fence for protecting ?? cost anything send me a signed voucher and I will forward the amount.

I have the honor to be
H C Russell
Govt Astronomer

Mr G. J. Howell
Mudgee

Govt Observatory
Sept 5 1870

Sir

When rain falls into the evaporator it is not necessary to reduce the weight to 12 lbs when the fall of rain should be more than sufficient to fill the evaporator which will seldom if ever occur.

The reason it is not filled in the first instance is to leave room for rain and weights are supplied in excess of 12 lbs. It is necessary to be very careful with the weights and measuring. I find on examination that many of your results last month are wrong.

I have to urge your compliance with the order issued by the Superintendent of Telegraphs to send in your results daily.

I have &c
HC Russell
Govt Astronomer

The Station Master
Mudgee