370 



FOBEST WOBK FOB THE MONTH. 



[March, 



ENGLAND 



m 



HIS the first month of the agricultural spring is characterised 



'^ by storms and strong gales of great fickleness and 

 uncertainty. These boisterous winds, absurdly denom- 

 inated equinoctial gales, frequently occur about the end of the third 

 week in this month. Sometimes the month is heralded by fierce 

 storms often accompanied by snow ; but mostly the winds blow from 

 the north-east, and are keen, dry, and powerfully evaporating. Should 

 they blow from the opposite quarter, we may expect moist weather, 

 unfavourable to agricultural operations. The average rainfall is 

 about 1'33 in. Last year, the record for this month at Greenwich was 

 little over three-fourths of an inch ; nearly half an inch below the 

 average of the ten years 1871-80 ; while the quantity registered at 

 Chewton-on-Mendip was 1*5G in. The evaporation during the month 

 is about equal to the average rainfall. 



Orchard. — Finish the planting of fruit trees as early in the month 

 as possible ; and any pruning yet undone should now be confined to 

 the cutting of small branches and shoots. Where grafting is essen- 

 tial, begin with Plums, then Cherries and Pears, finishing with Apples. 



Fences, — All hedge planting should be finished this month if 

 possible : the month following is mostly too late, and generally 

 unfavourable for Thorn planting. Protect the newly-planted hedge by 

 a fence of some sort. Wires on wood posts are as economical as 

 anything that may be used, as the wire can be removed when the 

 hedge is strong enough to stand alone, and may be used again in the 

 construction of other fences. Complete the laying of old hedges as 

 early as possible ; and finish digging and cleaning young hedges. 



Planting in the forest should be brought to a close this month 



