248 
the mean temperature deficient. The lowest readings were in December, when 
the average was only 29°426 in., associated with an excessive rainfall, 6'056 in., 
and a high temperature, viz., 43°0°, and a prevalance of S. and S.W. winds. A 
very deep and not wide depression passed over on the 3rd and 4th December, its 
_ apex passing Hereford at 8 a.m. on the 4th, the lowest reading at Burghill being 
28°241 at 8a.m. A series of observations during the depressions showed its sides 
to be very similar in their steep regular slopes, the apex being rounded. The 
mean reading of the barometer in March was also very low, viz., 29°587 in., 
associated with 8.W., W., and N.W. winds and alow temperature. 
The mean temperature for the year was 49'2°, about an average; high in 
January, February, and December; low in March and November. The extreme 
temperatures of a few days in July and August did not unduly raise the average. 
The highest readings were— 
July—13 82°3° August—12 81°9° 
14 86°9° 13 89°5° 
15 89°3° 14 86°2° 
16 88°9° 1d 819° 
21 82°0° 16 84°3° 
22 84°5° 17 85°8° 
23 811° 
25 80°7° 
There were no intense frosts during the year. On two days only, the 8th and 
9th January, the thermometer failed to rise above 32° during some portion of the 
day (in the shade). It fell below 32° in the shade on 44 days, and below 32° on 
the grass on 111 days. 
The rainfall was a few inches in excess of the probable average for the 
station, having amounted to 31°58 inches. It was defective in May, June, and 
July, the amounts being 0°29, 1°16, and 0°801 respectively ; in great excess in 
September, November, and December, viz., 5°089, 4°105, and 6:056 inches. 
There were no extremely heavy falls, no fall amounting to one inch was 
recorded during the year, the nearest approach being ‘99 on January 20 and ‘97 
on September 30. Even during December the excessive fall was fairly distributed ; 
the heaviest fall being 1°60 in. during the last three days of the year. The con- 
tinuousness of the fall was its most remarkable feature. Only one dry day was 
recorded between September 22nd and October 20th inclusive, viz., 28 days. 
From November 11th to December 7th inclusive, viz., 27 days, only two dry days 
are recorded; and from December 26, 1876, to January 19th, 1877, only one dry 
day appears, and if falls of less than ‘01 be noticed we may go on to February 7th 
with only three dry days. 
