320 FOREST LIFE IN ACADIE. 



2G. Four inches of snow full during day. 



27. Calm, clear weather ; excellent sleighing. 



28 — 31. Very variable ; soft and mild, with rain from 

 southward, changing to hard frost with N.W. wind ; three 

 inches of snow from N.E. on 31st. 



February 1. Thermometer, 0°, in the morning. 



2 — 7. Very oppressive, unhealthy weather : dense 

 fogs and occasional rains ; snow disappearing, except in 

 the woods. The sap is commencing to flow in deciduous 

 trees, owing to the mildness of the weather ; buds appear 

 on maples and currant bushes. 



8. Distant thunder heard. 



10 — 13, Light frosts recommence. Ground bare of 

 snow on roads ; good skating on lakes and arms of the 

 sea, all the snow having been melted off the surface. 



1 4. Wind shifts to N., with gale ; mercury falls at 

 night to 0°. 



18. Cold weather continues ; mercury, — 2°, at eight 

 A.M. Good sleighing, considerable snow having fallen 

 since the change. 



22 — 24. A thaw ; rain, with thick sea fogs ; roads 

 and streets deep with mud. 



26 — 27. A little snow falls, succeeded by mild 

 weather. 



March 2. A heavy snow-storm from N.E. ; five inches 

 fall ; the sleighing good. Smelts, caught through the 

 ice, still brought to market, but becoming more scarce. 

 The song sparrow (F. melodia), a few of which stay all 

 winter, singing in gardens. 



4. Snow disappearing under the sun. 



