312 



injured in the transporting. It is estimated, from some comparisons which hav« 

 been made, that its range is about .50 inch too low*. 



It ought to be remarked, also, that the latitude and longitude, as well as the 

 elevation of these observations, have not been definitely and strictly established 

 by mathematical observations. They are regarded, however, as being not far 

 from correct. 



The observations have been made at the hours required by the Smithsonian 

 Institution, viz. : Sunrise, 9 A. M., 3 P.M., and 9 P. M. 



The amount of rain and melted snow for the year is 51.24 inches, giving the 

 large mean of 4*27 inches per month through the year. This amount is much 

 greater than was to be anticipated, from the great number of fair days, and the 

 small amount of falling weather, which is very noticeable by one accustomed to 

 the clouds and mists of the Gi-een Mountains. The remark concerning the West, 

 so frequently heard at the East, that " it rains here only at night and on Sun- 

 days," has been rather wonderfully established during the past year, as a large 

 portion of the rain has fallen in the night! 



Another fact observed is, that frequently the circumstances, which in Vermont 

 are almost invariably accompanied by rain or falling weather of some kind, here 

 pass away with only a storm of wind of greater or less force. This may be 

 owing to the clouds being dissipated, and their moisture being absorbed by the 

 great sweep of the winds over these extensive prairies. As two-thirds of the rain 

 for the year fell in the three summer months, and one-third in one of these 

 months, the remainder of the year may be regarded as having been rather 

 dry. 



The amount of snow which fell in the winter of 1849-50 was less than the 

 usual quantity, being about four or five inches. There was some sleighing for 

 three or four weeks. The quantity of snow, as appears from the observations of 

 those longer resident here, varies greatly in different winters. 



The year wbich has just past is considered as having been rather more pro- 

 ductive than usual. Though the spring was uncommonly backward, yet the 

 temperature was so uniform, that no portion of vegetation was unduly brought 

 forward, and consequently injured by untimely frosts. Fruit, of the various kinds 

 •which have been introduced into this new country, did remarkably well, and 

 gave fair promise of the fruit-full years to come. It appears to me that this 

 cannot be otherwise than a ver}'^ favorable country, both on account of soil and 

 climate, for growing fruit of most kinds, such as apples, peaches, grapes, &c., — 



* I have since determined the amount of correction necessary, by comparing with one 

 of Greene's standard barometers, and found it to be .64 of an inch, i. c., .64 is to be added 

 to the numbers in the barometrical column of tlio preceding table. — Lathrop. 



