i92 



RKPOET OF THE SECRETAKT OF THE 



In this should be included the montli of March, in which 

 the records indicate the thermometer three times below zero, 

 and a snow-fall of twelve inches. 



During the past season, the observations at the Agricultural 

 College have, on eighteen different occasions, recorded from 1° 

 to 29° below zero, and on one instance furnished an average for 

 the entire twenty-four hours of 10° below zero. Concerning 

 the rain-fall, also, the season has proved an exceptionable one. 

 The total amount of rain and melted snow measured at the 

 College the past season, is but little over three inches, or much 

 less than one-half of what is properly apportioned as our win- 

 ter's supply. 



To say that to the grain-grower and to the fruit-grower alike 

 the rigors of the past season have been the source of grave 

 fears, would be but a tame rendering of the keen anxiety which 

 has universally prevailed. Vague and portentous rumors con- 

 cerning the influence on the fruit harvest have spread abroad. 

 But little can be positively asserted concerning the matter at 

 present. Though in most, if not all parts of the State, the 

 temperature commonly regarded as fatal to the fruit-bud of the 

 peach, viz., 15° below zero, has been reached, yet so much 

 depends on accompanying circumstances, the condition of the 

 tree, the degree of exposure to winds, and the elevation above 

 lake level, that results will probably prove as various as present 

 opinions. 



Perhaps no better illustration of the backward condition of 

 the present spring can be presented, than the condition of hor- 



