How do I read a stick barometer?

Observe the height of the mercury column inside the glass tube, using the engraved scale on the brass plate to note the pressure level. Higher readings indicate settled weather, while falling mercury points toward unsettled conditions. Compare the primary column against the vernier scale if fitted, noting any shift since your last observation. Tapping the instrument gently before reading helps settle the mercury against surface tension.

Where should I hang a weather glass?

Position the instrument on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, central heating radiators, and draughty doorways. Stable ambient temperatures ensure the internal mechanism reacts solely to barometric pressure rather than thermal expansion. Mount the case securely using appropriate fixings suited to the weight of the timber frame and glass components. Ensure the backboard hangs plumb so the barometer tube remains strictly vertical.

Are these barometers still accurate today?

These instruments continue to measure atmospheric pressure reliably if the sealed mercury column remains intact and free of air bubbles. They reflect actual barometric trends just as they did when first constructed centuries ago. Treat the readings as relative indicators of weather change rather than precise meteorological forecasts. Regular observation of the rising and falling needle gives the best insight into coming weather.