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271
2.
The extent of cloudy sky has been registered for twenty-one years,
an4 the mean is 5.65. The mid-winter month of July is the least
cloudy. Often in the months of April, May, June, July, August,
\'le have a \oJeek at a time with a bright , cloudless sky _
.
This is
the pleasantest season of the year, and a delightful contrast to
the bleak, pinching winters of•the north.
3. Ozonometrica1 records have been kept since April, 1859 . The annual
mean is 6.87 by Schnbein 's chromatic scale, and by far exceeds any
records for the adjoining colonies, or those at home, which have
fallen under my observation. Those months which have the greatest
rainfall, and the largest number and force of ocean winds, exhibit
the greatest amount of free ozone.
4, On the other hand, when the pure ozonized breezes from the sea
prevail, health is at the highest.
s. Though I treat of winds the last, I feel assured that scarcely any
other atmospheric phenomena more powerfu lly influence health.
6. I have contributed to Mr Abbott 's work, a four years' calculation
of averages, as to numb er and force of winds.
From his survey of 'means ' and 'averages ' Hall deduced that the Tasmanian
climate was a decidely breezy and invigorating one, with clear skies, an
abundance of ozone and bracing sea breezes,
where the lamp of life burns quickly as well as brightly. l 5
To those who unwittingly had gained a false impression of his beloved
island to its detriment he gave his considered opinion that it was man's
own fault if the best health and the highest chances of long life were not
attai.ned in such a picturesque and genial climate.
By late March, 1862, a subtle change in Hall's manner of
disseminating new ideas was discernib le, possibly due to the termination
of his irritating feud with Bedford, perhaps to his realization that
ignorance and incomprehension, rather than obstruction and neglect, were
the reasons for opposition to his proposals for reform. This less
aggressive, more gracious and understanding attitude was particularly
noticeable in an article "Tasmania Produced Oatmeal" in which he gently
endeavoured to persuade Tasmanians to assist their own economy by buying
good, home-grown produce such as oatmeal , whilst at the same time
instructing them in sound nutritional values . l6
15
1 6
Ibid., p. 47.
Mercury, March 31, 1862.