152 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



DEW 



As might be expected dews are so frequent in the mornings of 

 the warmer portion of the year that their absence rather than their 

 presence is generally commented upon. Yet the dews of the up- 

 lands immediately about the lake are not drenching and quickly 

 dry up in the mornings so that one can walk about without getting 

 wet almost any morning after 8 or 9 o'clock. The dews of the 

 mucky or peaty lowlands are much heavier and more persistent. 



It may be worth while to remark here that much that is gen- 

 erally taken for dew, such as the sparkling drops at the tips of 

 spears of grass, is not condensed vapor, but water of transpiration 

 which has passed through plants and has not evaporated from the 

 leaves as it exuded. This might be termed organic dew, and is 

 particularly noticeable on the leaves of strawberries, muskmelons, 

 etc., where it is found in prominent drops at the water-pores of the 

 leaves. This "dew" is always abundant at times when evapora- 

 tion is checked in the atmosphere surrounding rapidly growing 

 plants. 



Dew proper is common on all calm nights during the summer. 

 The dews first become noticeable about the end of April and con- 

 tinue until freezing weather. When fogs appear on the land they 

 usually leave a good deal of moisture on the herbage. 



WATER TEMPERATURES 



Temperature of the surface of the lake: Considerable time and 

 attention were devoted to a study of the temperature of the lake 

 water. Regular observations regarding the temperature of the 

 water at the lake surface were begun July 5, 1899, and continued 

 daily, practically without interruption, to July 1, 1901. An 

 observation station was established at the pier in front of the cot- 

 tage now known as Shady Point, on the west side of the lake at the 

 base of Long Point, and at that time occupied by the Fish Commis- 

 sion party. A copper- jacketed Wilder protected thermometer was 

 used. Observations were made and temperatures recorded three 

 times daily at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. In getting tempera- 

 tures, the thermometer was placed in water to a depth of a foot 

 to 18 inches. When there was ice a hole was cut, through which 

 the thermometer was lowered into the water beneath. 



From July 5 to October 19, the observations were made and 

 recorded by a member of the Fish Commission party. From Oc- 

 tober 19, 1899, to June 25, 1900, the readings were taken and 



