No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xiii 



zard, and interrupted travel and telegraphic communication. 

 During the storm of the 16th the wind reached a velocity of 

 80 miles an hour for five minutes at Block Island, R. I., and 

 a single gust blew at the rate of 110 miles. At Nantucket a 

 velocity of 62 miles an hour was recorded. There was con- 

 siderable snow on the gi'ound at the end of the month, espe- 

 cially in southern and eastern districts. A very brilliant 

 display of aurora was visible throughout the State on the 

 evening of the 3d. 



