447 



The average density of the atmosphere, as indicated by the baiometer, is 

 29,265 inches, being 0,0'74 inches lower than for last year, and 0,005 inches 

 lower than for the year 1850. 



The amount of rain and melted snow for the year is 40 inches, being 15.9 

 inches less than last year, and 11,24 less than the year 1850. This amount 

 with the exception of the months of February and March, was quite equally 

 distributed through the year. 



The amount of snow which fell in the winter of 1851-52, was more than in 

 either of the two previous years, being 30 inches, which was quite equally 

 distributed through the winter, with the exception of February and March — 

 February having 1.5 inches, and March 9 inches. 



The crops of the past year were universally good crops, tliough not remark- 

 able for their great yield. Wheat, corn, oats, &c,, all did well. With potatoes, 

 there was scarcely any rot ; and the quantity of the tubers was probably never 

 better. The yield of grass was rather more than a fair one, though much put 

 back by the want of rain in June. Late crops were slightly effected by the 

 drought in August. Our prairie soil in this region is remarkable for its retention 

 of moisture, and the small extent to which the crops suffer when it is appa- 

 rently very dry. The presence of a stratum of fine, red, arenaceous clay, which 

 so generally underlies the surface soil of this district, seems to act an important 

 part in imparting this valuable property to our soils. No New England soil 

 .possesses this to so great an extent. 



The chinch-hug appeared again in some places, in great abundance, doing, 

 as some think, much damage to the wheat crop. The amount of injury done 

 by this small insect will doubtless be little thought of, in a short time, and like 

 the cantharis cinerea, which was thought greatly to injure the potato crop, 

 will prove mostly, if not quite, a harmless insect. 



The prevailing winds, as in the two years previous, were north and north- 

 west. 



CALENDAR. 



January l9th. — Splendid Auroral Arch, from 8j to 10 o'clock P. M. 



February 18th, Aurora at 10 P. M. 



March 7th, Wild Geese seen. — 8th, Thunder storm. — lOth, Meadow Lark 

 teard singing. — llth, Robbins singing. — 12th, Star of Bethlehem just up. — 

 13th, Hurricane at 4 P. M. — 14th, Hurricane at 9 P. M. — l7th, Aurora with 

 streamers. — 24th, Tiger Lily up. — 30th, Crown Imperial up. 



