7G 



ever known, with very great thunderstorms. On September 2nd, Gloucester 

 streets 3 feet deep in water; large trees and hedges washed away. 



1800, 1802, 1803, and 180G, were each of them dry and hot. 



1818.— Only 1"41 inches from the 13th May to 5th September, nearly 

 four months ; but unlike the present year, it had been preceded by drenching 

 rains in May. An observer, writing after the breaking up, says: — "The rains 

 of this period, though absorbed by the parched ground as a sponge, have 

 completely restored vegetation in our meadows, which have resumed in a few 

 days a verdure equal to that of spring. " 



1825 and 1820 are still remembered as seasons of excessive heat and 

 drought. 



1826. — Pembroke, July 1st. Pembrokeshire and tbe adjoining counties 

 have not witnessed such an extent of dry weather during the recollection of the 

 oldest inhabitants.' Since the 4th of March last but two showers have fallen, 

 neither of which lasted more than three hours. The thermometer during the 

 last week has been ranging from 78° to 83° in the shade. This excessive heat and 

 drought has completely suspended vegetation ; the grass lands are burnt brown, 

 the hay on many farms will not pay for mowing, and the corn has but a 

 middling appearance. 



1832 was a dry year and a good harvest. 



1833. — Very hot and dry May, and a medium harvest. 



1835. — Very hot and dry summer; early and abundant harvest. No rain 

 fell from July 14 to August 24th. 



1840. — Dry spring and summer till August 17th ; very hot in April and 

 August ; a good harvest ; the crop of hay less than half a load per acre. 



1842.— Very dry spring and hot summer; early and abundant harvest 

 and wet autumn. 



1844. — Severe drought from Lady-day to Midsummer, with scarcely a drop 

 of rain in Herefordshire for 13 weeks. April was perfect summer for heat and 

 constant blight sun. In a thunderstorm ou June 24th a large quantity of rain 

 fell — more than two inches in some places. There was a most abundant wheat 

 crop and well got up, but not very early. Hay was sold at £8 per ton, and some 

 barley never sprouted. 



1854. — From March 8th to April 21st unusually warm and bright weather. 

 This year was the driest at Koss for the whole year in the series 1852-1869, 

 only 18 inches having fallen, against about 40 in 1852 ; the next driest being 

 18G4, with 19 inches, and the average for the last twenty years about 27 inches. 

 The drought, however, was more in the spring and autumn, 4.38 inches having 

 fallen in July, and it was consequently less felt. 



1803.— A veiy dry spring. In the four months, February to May inclusive, 

 only 4.20 inches rain, and in July only '50 inches. There were however heavy 

 falls in June, and the harvest was supposed to be the best in Herefordshire for 

 many j 



18 'A. — In the five months, April to August inclusive, only 4.47 inches rain. 





