Meteorology for Twenty Years 



H^NRY G. KNIGHT AND J. C. 



Meteorological observations have been taken at the Wyo- 

 ming Agricultural Experiment Station since 1891, and, al- 

 though the period covered is comparatively short, the data ob- 

 tained will give some general knowledge of the climatic condi- 

 tions prevailing over this section of the Laramie plains during 

 the past, and will form a basis for judgment as to what may be 

 expected in the future. As the Laramie plains are now being 

 covered with irrigation projects and many new settlers are' 

 coming in, to do general farming, this knowledge of the climate 

 of the country is of importance, for upon the general weather 

 conditions prevailing throughout the year and particularly dur- 

 ing the growing season, depend the kinds, and, in a large meas- 

 ure, the quantity and quality of the crops. Upon the climate 

 depends the prosperity of the section in an agricultural way. 

 More depends upon this than upon the soil itself, for with our 

 present scientific knowledge most soils may be made productive 

 if they are infertile, but we cannot change the climate ma- 

 terially. Consequently those contemplating farming operations 

 in a territory unfamiliar to them, should not only make a care- 

 ful examination of the soil of the land upon which they expect 

 to locate, but a careful study should also be made of the 

 climatology. 



It is unfortunate that most prospective settlers in a new 

 country will invariably ask questions about soil conditions and 

 markets while a small minority will ask a few questions regard- 

 ing climate. Rainfall, humidity, sunshine, average tempera- 



