116 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 



The barometric readings show that the atmospheric pressure 

 was somewhat higher than during the previous year. In 1895 

 the pressure was sixty-four times above 30 inches and twenty-six 

 times below 29 inches, while in 1896 it was seventy-three times 

 above 30 inches and only sixteen times below 29 inches. The 

 highest reading occurred on the 9th January, when the pressure 

 was at 30*78 inches; and the lowest reading was 28*20 inches on 

 3rd March — the highest slightly higher and the lowest slightly 

 lower than on any occasion in 1895. 



In reference to the winds : whilst these were squally enough at 

 times, no gales of exceptional severity, such as were experienced 

 in the preceding year, occurred. The points from which the winds 

 came during the year were as follows : — From the S.W., 107 ; 

 W., 107 ; N.E., 74 ; KW., 31 ; E., 20 ; S.E., U ; S., 9 ; and N., 

 4 days. Excluding the direct North and South, the Western 

 group shows 245 times against 108 times for the Eastern. 

 In 1895 the Western had 192, and the Eastern 130 times 

 respectively. 



In comparing the notes regarding the weather of 1896 with 

 those of the preceding year, very few points of similarity are found. 

 In the early months of 1895, frosts of exceptional severity were 

 experienced, causing serious hindrance to outdoor labour, whilst 

 the injury to vegetation was very marked; whereas, in 1896, there 

 was a comparative absence of frost, and the winter months were 

 abnormally open and mild. Again, during the spring months, 

 the freedom from frost was, as in 1895, very notable. Eor a 

 series of years the month of August was more or less stormy and 

 wet, followed later by fine sunny weather. These conditions, 

 however, did not hold good last year, for, although the weather 

 of August was on the whole good, it .broke down during the last 

 week ; and the weather of September and October was of a most 

 disagreeable character, which sadly interfered with harvesting 

 operations throughout the country. The later months of the year 

 were likewise stormy, with a remarkable absence of sunshine. 



The favourable weather of the early part of the season naturally 

 had its effect in forwarding vegetation, and, as no check was ex- 

 perienced, the development of leaf and growth was earlier than 

 usual and of a finer character than what we are accustomed to in 

 this district. There was a fine display of blossom on most trees 



