314 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



METEOROLOGY. 



1889. 



Our weather observations have been conducted on the 

 same general plan as in previous years, being essentially 

 the same as that recommended to voluntary observers of the 

 United States Signal Service. Besides this, we have during 

 the summer months forwarded to a signal officer at Cam- 

 bridge, Mass., a weekly report of temperature, rainfall and 

 sunshine, and their efl'ects as observed on the growth of 

 crops in this vicinity. This report was for use of the New 

 England Meteorological Society and the United States 

 Signal Service in preparing a weekly weather and crop 

 bulletin. 



The winter months of 1889 were exceptionally mild. Our 

 lowest temperature during that time was nine degrees below 

 zero. Ice did not form thick enough to be cut until the first 

 part of February. There was no snow on the ground until the 

 20th of January. Sleighs were in use from that date until 

 the last week in February ; most of the time, however, 

 hardly enough snow for good sleighing. A snow-storm, 

 amounting to 4.5 inches, occurred on March 31 and April 1. 

 This snow quickly disappeared. 



On account of the warm and dry weather during the 

 spring, the ground was prepared and planted somewhat 

 earlier than usual. Heavy frosts occurred May 4 and 29 ; 

 the latter touched our more tender crops, but apparently did 

 not afiect corn or potatoes. 



February, March and April were our driest months ; less 

 than three inches of water fell during February and March. 

 The rains of May were abundant and well distributed. 

 During June, July and the first part of August, an unusual 

 number of rainy days interfered seriously with farm work ; 

 considerable damage was done in our vicinity to partially 

 cured hav and strain. 



