12 



cases the material is prepared beforehand, and then on a 

 cold night the temperature is closely watched. If it is found 

 to be getting dangerously low, the fires are lighted and the 

 danger averted. 



In many cases, if the knowledge could be had early in the 

 morning or even at noon time of a frost during the coming 

 night, a large part of the crops could be gathered or pro- 

 visions made for artificially covering them. But from local 

 observations it is impossible to tell until night draws near, 

 and in most cases not until morning comes and the damage 

 is done do we feel sure of a frost ; no action is taken, 

 because we are loath to gather unripe products, although 

 they would have been much more valuable if gathered and 

 out of the way of the frost. 



The Weather Bureau has been making a special study of 

 this matter, and they are now telegraphing warnings of im- 

 pending frosts from twelve to thirty-six hours in advance to 

 any section where they are desired and where public inter- 

 ests will be benefited. Tobacco and cranberry growers are 

 particularly interested in the warnings, but they undoubt- 

 edly benefit truckmen, owneis of vineyards, and growers of 

 both large and small fruits. So arrangements have been 

 made for telegraphing these warnings during the coming 

 season, at government expense, wherever the information is 

 desired and will be used. 



The most common method of disseminating the informa- 

 tion after it is received is by fiying a large white flag with 

 black centre from a prominent flagstaff". But such methods 

 as blowing whistles, ringing bells, and, as mentioned in the 

 above extract, firing cannons, are in general use. The last- 

 named method seems very good, because on a fairly quiet 

 day or afternoon (and it is only on such afternoons that we 

 usually fear a frost) a good cannon can l)e heard for many 

 miles in all directions. 



B}' addressing the director of the New England Weather 

 Service, Boston, Mass., full information will be given and 

 immediate action taken to have the warnino-s sent. 



