74 



THE EFFECTS OF THE SEVERE FROST OF THE 



From this we see that within twenty-four hours between 4th 

 and 5th December, from daybreak to daybreak, no less a varia- 

 tion had occurred than 36° in the temperature, being from 18° 

 below zero to 18° above zero. Again, between 7 p.m. on the 

 evening of 4th December and 6 p.m. on 5th December there was 

 a fluctuation of 27° of temperature, being from 9° below zero to 

 18° above zero. Other equally startling variations within a few 

 brief hours may be noticed by reference to the figures given, and 

 which may be taken as a fair specimen of similar severe dislo- 

 cations in the usually steady and equable temperature of our 

 ordinary winters, and the consequent effects upon all vegetable, 

 and no less perhaps also on animal, life may easily be conceived. 



The 4th December 1879 bein^^ thus undoubtedlv the mornincj 

 of lowest recorded temperature, we append for comparison the 

 various indications of the thermometer on that memorable 

 morning at some of the chief points wdthin the area of the most 

 severe damage done by the winter's intensity : — 



It should be noted that while the greatest care has been taken 

 to obtain only accurately veriiied registrations, some of those 



