8 



tation. Viewing the month as a whole, the weather was 

 very pleasant. 



The Weather of October, 1901. 

 The weather of the month was exceptionally pleasant, 

 with a preponderance of warm sunny days. The precipita- 

 tion was deficient, the monthly amounts being from 1.25 

 inches to 1.50 inches below the normal for October. The 

 rainfall of the month occurred chiefly during the storm of 

 the 14th and 15th. No rain of any consequence fell after 

 this storm. At the close of the month there is urgent need 

 of rain in some sections, and especially in those of the east- 

 ern portion of the State. The temperature has ranged above 

 the normal for nearly the entire month, and the average ex- 

 cess amounted to about two degrees per day. Like Septem- 

 ber, it was, however, well distributed and there were no 

 unusual maxima readings. Frosts, moderate to heavy, oc- 

 curred through the month in about all sections, except those 

 of the immediate coast, where the first occurrence was the 

 morning of the 26th, when it was sufficiently severe to kill 

 vegetation, except in protected places. The mild weather 

 and abundant sunshine have been very favorable to grass 

 lands, to pasturage for stock, to fall ploughing, seeding, and 

 to all farm operations and out-door work. No severe or 

 destructive wind storms passed over the State during the 

 month. Brisk to high winds occurred on the 19th and 28th, 

 but caused little if any damage. Local disturbances, thunder- 

 storms and hail, were reported from some localities, but they 

 were of slight importance and only worthy of passing notice. 

 Viewed as a whole, the weather of October was remarkably 

 fine and such as is not likely to be often paralleled. 



Crops of the Year. 

 The excessive rains and cool weather of May made the 

 season from one to two weeks late at the close of the month, 

 with farm work still further behind the normal. Pastures 

 and mowings were generally in good condition, and prom- 

 ised well for the future. Fall seeding generally wintered 

 well. The fruit bloom occurred at about the usual time in 

 western sections and a few days later in eastern, and was 



