488 Proceedings, Exhibitions, ami 



for the month, varying from 32° to 22°, the latter being the 

 lowest reading on the night of the 27th, Total readings, 61.° 

 The day temperature was invariably high, so that, although light 

 frosts were fre(juent, vegetation is in an advanced state. A plant 

 of Cydonia jajxmica against a west wall has many fully developed 

 leaves. Fruit of hardy trees and shrubs have rarely been so 

 scarce as this year. 



Jamiary 1890. — The mean temperature was unusually high for 

 the month, and, with the exception of January 1884, less frost 

 was registered than on any January for many years. The lowest 

 reading was 23° (9° of frost) on the night of the 22nd. Total 

 frost, only 35°. 



Last year's total frost for January was 51°. The year previous 

 48°. So that we are experiencing a succession ot mild winters. 

 After the first day or two of the month, the weather became very 

 variable, and continued so throughout. Eainfall was both frequent 

 and heavy, with just sufficient sleet at times to remind us of winter. 

 On the 14th, 18th, and 25th, storms of considerable severity and 

 duration were experienced, the last one exceeding in severity and 

 velocity either of the others. Professor Grant reports that a pres- 

 sure of 28 lbs. to the square foot was registered at the Glasgow 

 Observatory. These storms extended far beyond our shores, great 

 damage being done. Vegetation is in a very advanced state, 

 common Elder, Japan Quince, scarlet Rihes, &c., have young 

 shoots from 1 to 3 inches in length, 



February. — The high mean temperature experienced last month, 

 was continued for the first two or three days of this month, 7° of 

 frost being registered on the night of the 4th, Since then we 

 have had continued cold. Frost was registered on twenty nights, 

 the remainder being very cold. The lowest reading was 23° (9° 

 of frost), and the total frost for the month 87°, and four times at 

 the freezing point. Cold north and north-east winds were frequent, 

 also an unusual number of hazy, foggy, sunless days. The warmth 

 of the sun was felt here only twice during the month, i.e., on the 

 5th and 23rd. The continued cold days and nights have thoroughly 

 retarded vegetation ; this is a fortunate circumstance. Fortunately 

 only hardy plants of foreign origin which, despite all acclimatiza- 

 tion, will persist annually in pushing early growth, have sufi'ered 

 to any appreciable extent. 



March. — Frost was registered on eight nights during the month, 

 the lowest reading being on the night of the 2nd, when 10° were 

 recorded. The total frost was only 28°, During March last year 

 the total was 67°, 



Although cold winds were frequently felt, they were mostly from 



