A RAIN CLOCK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1069, 27 February 1913, Page 4

A RAIN CLOCK.

An ingenious cardboard device, named a “ rain clock,” has been issued by Mr H. A. Hunt, the Commonwealth Meteorologist. By manipulation of a cardboard lever the clock can be made to disclose the seasonal rainfall in any part of Australia, and the approximate average distribution at any time during the year. A map of Australia is carved out of the face of the clock, and beneath the missing cardboard is placed a shaded mask, operating on a pin. To obtain an indication of the probable precipitation of moisture it is necessary to move the shaded mask until the index line (marked on the clock) coincides with the month about which it is desired to obtain information. The area of the continent affected by dry or wet conditions for that time of the year will then be approximately dis-i played. Arranged in garland form around the central mechanism are maps showing the exact average monthly rainfall “distributed,” as it is termed in the instructions printed on the “ rain clock.” The device has been prepared under the instructions of the Federal Minister for Home Affairs. The “ rain clock ” may prove useful to farmers to decide upon what scale they will operate at various branches of agriculture at different seasons of the year.