APRIL. 177 



fruit, by a mulching or covering of some suitable material 

 for both summer and winter, that has not yet received all the 

 attention it deserves, and is one upon which much might be 

 said were this felt to be the proper occasion ; this would be, 

 however, Avandering from the object now in view; and a 

 statement of the belief that the roots of the tree is the seat 

 of that malady to which so many fall victims, and its cause 

 the want of protection to the roots during periods of extreme 

 cold, is sufficient for the present purpose, and indicates the 

 train of remark to which its consideration would lead. 



The year 1854 was a remarkable one, long to be remem- 

 bered for its many and various disasters ; but the only point 

 of view from which it is now to be considered, is the influence 

 exercised by its various phenomena upon vegetable growth 

 and products. 



The early part of January was mild, and the weather up 

 to and past the middle of the month moderate ; but the latter 

 part was so extremely cold that it gave to the whole month a 

 character of great severity ; there was but little clear weather, 

 and the ground was covered with snow. On the 25th the 

 mercury fell to 5 below 0, and on the mornings of the 29th 

 and 30th, to 10 below ; the mean of the thermometer, the 

 observations being taken at 9 A. M., 12 M., and 4 P. M., 

 was 30. The quantity of rain, and snow reduced to rain, 

 that fell was 1 inch. 



February was cold and disagreeable ; twice during the 

 month the mercury fell to 6 below 0, viz., on 5th and 7th ; 

 and it, like January, was distinguished for much cloudy, dull 

 weather. The mean of the mercury was 28, and the quan- 

 tity of rain 5 inches. 



The early part of March was pleasant, but the latter part 

 unusually rough and disagreeable, with high winds from N. 

 W.. and very cold ; the mean of the thermometer was 38; 

 being, with two exceptions, viz., 1842 and 1847, the coldest 

 March for 13 years; the quantity of rain 4 inches. 



April was cold and wet, and the season very backward. 

 The mean of the thermometer was 47, and the quantity of 

 rain 5 inches. 



VOL. XXI. NO. IV. 23 



