360 - Mr. J. Glafsher's 'Remarlcs on the Weather 



The failure of tliis crop is a great loss to the poor in this di- 

 strict; as from their earnings in hop-picking they are gene- 

 rally enabled to buy a certain amount of clothing, as well as 

 sundry other necessaries for the winter. The potatoe haulm 

 has been diseased in some situations, but I do not find that 

 the tuber has been in any way injured. The crop of apples 

 is good, and above the average ; but that of the pear, plum, 

 and wall-fruit generally, is almost entirely deficient, the blos- 

 som and trees having been much injured by the heavy snow 

 which fell in April. 



At Stonyhurst, by the Rev. Alfred Weld, F.R.A.S. 



Potatoes were first got up about June 30; it was then found 

 that about I lb. out of 20 lbs. was diseased : still there were 

 no signs of decay in the leaves, which looked strong and 

 healthy. About August 20 the tops of the potatoes seemed 

 struck by a general blight, which spread with such rapidity 

 that in two or three days from that period the fields were 

 quite black. The roots suffered at the same time in a greater 

 or less degree ; frequently the proportion of decayed to sound 

 potatoes was as two to one. Potatoes planted on damp soil 

 always suffered most, while others planted in sheltered spots 

 escaped with comparative immunity. It was found that in 

 one case, where clay and black bog soil existed in the same 

 field, potatoes planted on the former suffered severely, while 

 those on the latter remained untouched. The smell of the 

 decaying tops was offensive, and so strong as to be perceptible 

 at a considerable distance. After July 15 the weather became 

 very unfavourable for hay, and a great deal remained out until 

 August. The crop was far below the average. A distemper 

 broke out amongst horses about the middle of July, and was 

 followed by another which attacked the cattle ; both were in 

 some instances fatal. Reaping of wheat began August 25th ; 

 of oats, August 31st. The crops were far above the average, 

 and generally well-housed. The average length of oat-straw 

 grown on a field of six acres, which had not been ploughed 

 before for more than twenty years, was six feet, whilst in some 

 places it was above seven feet. The grain was with few ex- 

 ceptions all housed by the end of September. 



For the West Riding of Yorkshire, by Charles Charnock, 

 Esq., of Leeds. 



The past quarter has consisted of one wet and of two dry 

 months. The growth of turnips and potatoes were retarded 

 during the dry months, and progressed rapidly during that 

 which was wet. The harvest was very protracted on the 

 early soils, but secured in very good condition. On late soils 

 corn is still exposed to the weather. On the 2nd of October 



