No. 4.] MASSACHUSETTS WEATHER. xxvii 



Judging from the returns of correspondents, the season 

 of 1902 was not an unprofitable one for our farmers as a 

 whole, although perhaps not up to some recent years for 

 profit. Corn and potatoes were the only principal crops to 

 show a shortage, and in the case of the latter good prices 

 somew^hat compensated for the decreased yield. Good prices 

 received for most crops, together with quick sales, were 

 factors making for profit. 



Of the 144 correspf)n dents answering the question as to 

 the profits of the season, (52 considered it to have been 

 profitable, 11 as above the average for profit, IG as average 

 for profit and 18 as fairly profital)le, while 37 thought that 

 it had not been a profitable season. 



Massachusetts Weather, 1902. 



[Compiled from Data fukkished by the Weather Bureau, Boston.] 

 The weather during January was uneventful and unusually 

 pleasant for the midwinter season. There was much sun- 

 shine and precipitation in measurable amounts on an average 

 of eight days. The precipitation was below the average in 

 all sections, although it was quite well distributed. The 

 chief feature in connection with this element was the snow- 

 fall, which was far below the average for this month. The 

 averao-e for the State was 8.5 inches, which is several inches 

 below the usual amount for January ; but, owing to the 

 uniformly low temperature, the mean of which was 1.5° 

 below the normal of the month, the ground Avas well cov- 

 ered with snow, giving good sleighing most of the period. 

 The temperature conditions were very favorable to ice 

 interests, and the weather generally adapted to out-door 

 industries 



The weather of February was of the type usually experi- 

 enced durino- this month. There were several storms of 

 marked intensity, accompanied by general and heavy pre- 

 cipitation, with high winds and gales. The most conspicu- 

 ous of these occurred on the 2d and 17th. The rain and 

 attending high temperature caused a rapid melting of the 

 snow on the ground, and the result was swollen rivers and 

 streams. Fortunately, the depth of the snow was not great, 



