METEOKOLOGICAL NOTES DURINCJ THE YEAH 1903. 169 



Though they were slightly irregular in course, the daily 

 barometric readings were fairly high. The lowest reading was 

 29" 10 inches on the 5th, thereafter rising, and with slightly 

 erratic variations, the pressure was between 29 "50 and 29 "90 

 inches until the 23rd, when there was a sharp rise to 30' 20, 

 then more steadily to 30' 30 inches on the 26th and 27th. Tlie 

 pressure thereafter lessened, till on the 31st it was at 29"70 

 inches. 



As we rarely escape the dreaded late frosts in May, their 

 absence is notable, as only on one occasion was any frost 

 registered, viz., on the 11th, when there were 2°. The average 

 maximum temperature was 53°, and the average minimum 42° 

 — the former the same and tlie latter 3° higher than those of 

 the same month of 1902. 



The rainfall amounted to 2 "74 inches, of which 0'91 inch fell 

 on the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th, the day of 

 the Eoyal visit. There were fourteen dry days. 



Vegetation, which at the beginning of the month was in a 

 backward state owing to the checks sustained in April, made 

 rapid headway during the warm weather of the latter part of 

 the month, and the development of leaf and flower was more 

 satisfactory than appearances at first warranted. The oak began 

 to leaf on the I7th and the ash on the 27th, much about the 

 average time, but the development was slower than usual. There 

 was also a paucity of bloom on some subjects. Amongst 

 evergreens, Ehododendrous were particularly barren of bloom as 

 a whole. Deciduous plants, though not as a rule overburdened, 

 made a satisfactory, if not specially brilliant, display. There 

 was also a marked improvement in the appearance of grass 

 lands by the end of the month. 



June. — The weather of the first part of this month was 

 practically a continuation of the pleasant conditions which 

 characterised the latter half of May; in fact, the longest spell 

 of " summer weather " of the year was that experienced during 

 the first three weeks. The last week was variable and showery. 



With easterly winds preponderating, the barometric readings 

 were somewhat high and witliin moderate range. During the 

 first week the pressure indicated was for several days — from 



