The clear, dry atmosphere and the absence of sultry days during the summer make 

 the state one of the most healthful. When the troop trains carrying the Montana 

 boys traveled across the continent, all the newspapers of the cities along the line of 

 travel commented on the vigorous and healthy appearance of the lads from the "Land 

 of the Shining Mountains." When anyone enjoys Montana health, Montana's climate 

 will seem mild when compared with that of other northern states. 



Randal J. Condon, superintendent of the public schools of Cincinnati, Ohio, who 

 for some years resided in Helena, wrote for a geography used in the public schools 

 a brief description of Montana. Of the climate of the state he said: 



"It is doubtful if there is another state in the Union where the climate, 

 taken the year round, is so delightful as that of Montana. Its northern 

 latitude is more than offset by the mild westerly winds, which temper the 

 climate of the mountains and plains and yet do not bring excessive moisture. 



"Fogs are almost unknown, and on the days when the temperature is 

 low there is not that penetrating chill which is felt in the more humid 

 states. 



"As in any extreme northern state, the thermometer occasionally 

 records a low midwinter temperature, but the cold spells are short. While 

 they remain there is practically no wind; the air is dry and the sunshine 

 clear. The ordinary outdoor occupations may be carried on in winter with 

 little inconvenience. On the other hand, the summer temperatures are 

 never oppressive, and heat prostrations are unknown. The temperature in 

 the middle of the long summer days may rise higher than in the states 

 farther south, but with the coming of night the cold mountain breeze brings 

 a delightlul change." 



Rainfall in Growing Season. 



The rainfall in Montana is not as great as it is in the eastern states. It is 

 classed as a semi-arid state. This makes dry farming or irrigation necessary to 

 raise a satisfactory crop. The rainfall generally comes during the growing season, 

 when it is most needed. The precipitation maps and table accompany this article 

 and will inform anyone on the rainfall of the state. 



Heat Units. 



While moisture is conceded to be the most important factor in crop production 

 in Montana, temperature is also one of the most important elements. Botanists 

 inform us that different crops take varying amounts of heat, which we know to be 

 true in natural form practically. Montana farmers, however, have learned that its 

 seasons are better adapted for certain grain production than for other crops that 

 are now raised successfully in more southern states. Due, however, to a study of 

 heat units in the different localities, we are learning that corn can be profitably 

 raised over a wider area than was formerly supposed. 



Scientists have adopted this term, "heat units", as a unit measure in respect to 

 crop growth. It is commonly found in weather reports and records issued in the 

 last few months. Its application to Montana temperatures is one of the most 

 practical and beneficial things that can be done to aid the newcomer to the state- 

 How to Compute Them. 



To arrive at the number of heat units for any locality, one must first know 

 the mean temperature for each day. This is the average of the highest and lowest 

 points in the twenty-four hour period. Relatively little crop growth takes place 

 when the temperature is below 40° F, so that point is taken as the starting place. 

 Each degree of mean temperature above 40° F per day is called one heat unit. For 

 example, if the mean temperature of a certain day is 50° F, the difference between 

 40° and 50° would be 10°, or ten heat units. If the heat units for each day is multi- 

 plied by the number of days in the growing season, the result will be the total 

 number of heat units for the season in that locality. 



