768 FOREST WORK FOR THE MONTH. [Apuil 



were continued, Mr. Bullen said, during- the first weelv of February, 

 15 degrees of frost liaving been registered on the night of tlie 2nd, 

 and 20 degrees on the night of the 3rd — tlie latter reading being 

 the lowest since the night of the 13th December 1882, when 20 

 degrees were also registered. An interval of comparatively mild 

 weather was experienced during the second week of the month, 

 since which time frost had been more or less continuous. The 

 night temperature was at or below the freezing point twenty times, 

 giving a total of 124 degrees of frost. The drifting showers of 

 snow and cold winds experienced latterly had had a marked effect 

 on vegetation, fewer hardy plants being in bloom or pushing growth 

 than was usual even after hard winters. 



The abstract of accounts of the Society for the session 1884-85 

 showed receipts amounting to £175, and funds in hand amounting 

 to £230. 



f^oREST Work for the Month. 



ENGLAND. 



rr^HE weather of this month is very uncertain and fickle — some 

 JL. days cold, others warm, and followed by frosty nights. The 

 general temperature advances slightly, although subject to great 

 variation. The average rainfall is about 1^ inches, and the evapo- 

 ration about 2^ inches. The recorded rainfall of this month last 

 year was — 



At Greenwich, . . 2-04 inches. 



„ Clifton, Bristol, . . 2-181 „ 



„ Colmonell, Ayrshire, . 3" 6 2 „ 



Orchard. — Recently planted fruit-trees should be examined and 

 set firmly in position. Stir the surface of the ground lightly, and 

 work in the soil close to the stems. Do not prune off large branches 

 at this period, as such operations weaken the trees and induce 

 canker. 



Fences. — The planting of live fences should be finished before 

 now. "Where such work has not been completed it may still be 

 carried on, but the operation must be conducted with greater care. 

 And where practicable, the roots may be dipped for a short time in 

 a mud puddle before being planted, and copious watering may 



