One hundred years ago
THE Times of Thursday gives a detailed account of the rain-making experiments lately tried in Texas, near the town of Midland. The experiments, which were conducted by a Commissioner appointed by the United States Govern- ment — General Dryenforth — were carried out in an exceptionally dry district. A number of balloons were filled with a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, and were exploded, "some by time-fuses at a height of one and a half to five miles, the rest by wire when 1,000ft. above the earth." In addition, there were explosions of "rackarock" powder and dynamite on the ground. "Explosives were also set off in the tails of kites." The effect of these explosions in every case, according to the present account, "was highly satisfactory." "In every instance a series of explosions was followed within ten hours by rain. This was conclusive evidence that the explo- sives certainly produced rain". Further experiments on a larger scale are, it is said, to be carried out. We doubt, however, if any very great practical results will ensue. If there is rain about, the explosions will no doubt precipitate it, but we expect they will prove useless when most wanted, – that is, in times of determined drought.
The Spectator, 10 October 1891
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