476 Mr Lindsay's Report on Open-Air Vegetation. 



April. — The month of April was dry and cold generally, 

 with easterly wind. The thermometer fell below the freezing 

 point on fifteen occasions; the total amount of frost regis- 

 tered was 54^, as against 6' for April 1889. The lowest 

 readings were on the mornings of the 12th, 13th, 20th, 27th, 

 and 28th of the month, when the glass fell to 27", 25", 25", 

 25°, and 26° respectively. The lowest day temperature was 

 47°, on the l7th ; and the highest 67°, on the SOth. 



The collective amount of frost registered this season up to 

 the end of April is 364°, as against 342° for the same period 

 last year. The following is the distribution for each month 

 — September, 3° of frost ; October, 2° ; November, 38° 

 December, 70° ; Jaimary, 45° ; February, 103° ; March, 49° 

 April, 54°. The lowest point reached this season was 20°, 

 or 12° of frost, which occurred on March 20. Notwith- 

 standing the cold nature of last month, vegetation generally 

 has made good progress. The Eock Garden was very attrac- 

 tive during the month, from the large number of plants in 

 blossom ; 150 species and varieties came into flower in April, 

 many of which display unwonted vigour. Of the forty 

 spring-flowering plants annually recorded to show their 

 periods of flowering, the following came into flower : — 

 Adonis verncdis, on the 2nd ; Aulrictia grandijiora, on the 

 9th ; Fritillaria imperialis, on the 10th — thus completing 

 the list much earlier than usual. 



Hay. — The past mouth has been one of the most favour- 

 able experienced for some years. No actual frost occurred, 

 which is somewhat unusual for May. Vegetation made 

 rapid progress, and, in the absence of frost or severe winds, 

 has gone on advancing in the most satisfactory manner. 

 The foliage of most of the ordinary deciduous trees and 

 shrubs is now in perfect condition, being very luxuriant and 

 healthy. The flowering of nearly all kinds of ornamental 

 trees and shrubs is far above the average this year. Nothing 

 could well exceed the richness and profusion of blossoms 

 displayed by the various varieties of Hawthorn, which were 

 in full flower by the end of the month, and thus for once 

 justifying the name of Mayflower. Ehododendrons, Azaleas, 

 Horse Chestnut, Laburnum, and the various species of Pyrus 

 and Prunus were remarkably fine and effective. Holly is 



