166 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW, 



The readings of the barometer show an irregular pressure, but 

 within a moderate range. The lowest reading was 29*05 inches 

 on the 1st, and the highest 30'10 on the 23rd. 



The comparative absence of sharp frosts in April, which has 

 been noted of late years, was less marked this year, as the 

 thermometer was at or below freezing point eleven times, and 

 a total of 41° of frost registered. In 1896 only 7° of frost were 

 recorded over three mornings of this month. The prevalence 

 of easterly winds, however, tended to keep the temperature low, 

 and the averages — maximum, 50°; minimum, 35° — are under those 

 of the previous year, when the maximum was 56° and the 

 minimum 38°. 



With the cold winds and low temperature a decided and severe 

 check was given to vegetation. The early growth and bloom of 

 many shrubs were blighted, and the grass was less green than it 

 was in March ; whilst trees which usually are well into leaf by 

 the middle of April were only coming into leaf during the latter 

 davs of the month. 



May. — During the first fortnight, with the winds chiefly 

 westerly, the weather was very changeable, high winds and heavy 

 showers being of frequent occurrence. The latter half of the 

 month was characterised by keen north-east winds, and through- 

 out the month the weather lacked the genial quality usually 

 associated with May, and the general conditions were in marked 

 contrast to those which prevailed in May, 1896, which was 

 exceptionally mild and pleasant. 



The rainfall amounted to 2-66 inches, and there were twenty dry 

 days. The barometric readings ranged, with moderate variations, 

 from 29-65 on the 1st up to 30*30 on the 16th, then steadily 

 falling to 29*06 on the 29th, on the occasion of a heavy storm of 

 wind and rain on the night of the 28th and morning of 29th. 



The continuance of strong easterly winds and comparative 

 absence of sunshine accounted for the low temperature, which is 

 in remarkable contrast to that of Mav, 1896. Then the 

 maximum thermometer in shade was three times above 70° and 

 only six times below 60°, whereas this year it was only six times 

 above 60°. The highest reading was 66° on the 17th. Though 

 frost was only recorded on one occasion — 3° on the 13th — the 



