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comparatively near us, may be considered as representative of our district during 
that time. The other authorities include Mr. Glaishier and the late Mr. Howard, 
well-known writers on the subject. 
A careful inspection of these tables will, I think, show that while the present 
summer has been exceedingly wet and showery, similar weather has previously 
occurred. As regards hay-making between 1771 and 1816, it is recorded as good 
in 19, bad in 13, and difficult or late in 11 years, so that there seems to have been 
the same fickleness of climate to contend with 100 years agoas now. There is 
also evidence that dry and wet seasons follow each other in succession, but seldom 
for more than three years together. When June and August are wet, July is 
generally drier. This was not the case however in 1879, although it was promi- 
nently so in 1852 and 1860. When July is wet, August is generally dry, and the 
reverse; but a wet June is not infrequently followed by a July of a similar 
character, especially in the first half of that month. Really bad corn harvests 
like those of 1698, 1799, 1816, 1848, and 1879, are happily very rare, and after all 
it must be acknowledged that our harvests seldom really fail; nevertheless, we 
do not sufficiently recognise the uncertainty of our climate and the probability, 
from past experiences, of trouble and perplexity in gathering our crops ; and this 
seems to point to the need of increased endeavour to provide, by mechanical or 
other means, an escape from the difficulties which weather introduces into our 
farming operations. 
Hoping that the day will continue fine for our excursions and be the precursor 
of a delightful season, I must apologise for having detained you so long. 
