1870.] 



SMALL WOOD — CANADIAN METEOROLOGY. 





and although, in some cases, the thermometer has marked 32^ F., 

 frost has not perceptibly affected vegetation, owing to some of the 

 causes above mentioned. The seventh column gives the date of 

 the last fall of snow, without reference to quantity, which is 

 sometimes very small. The eighth column shows the respective 

 dates at which the thermometer stood at 32° F. for the last time 

 in spring, and is a near approximation to the last frost, but as 

 vegetation is not so prolific in spring, the effects on flowers and 

 plants are not so well marked as in the autumn, although 

 occasionally late frosts have proved very injurious to fruit trees 

 and early vegetables. The ninth column is intended to show the 

 dates when winter may be said to have fairly set in, for the 

 ground is then frozen to some depth, and may also be covered 

 with some snow. The ditches are then full from the previous 

 autumnal rains, and are frozen over, as well as the small rivers, 

 and loads are crossing on the ice, all out-door work is, con- 

 sequently, suspended. The tenth and last column gives the date 

 at which the ice left the River St. Lawrence, in front of the city, 

 the river being clear of ice. The arrival of steamers and small 

 sailing vessels generally occurs in a very short time after wjirds, — 

 sometimes the same day. 



