226 WEATHER AND OTHER NOTES. 
other soils they came away rapidly, and were soon ready for 
the hoe. 
Daily mean temperature was about normal. 
Yellow-rattle came into bloom on the 5th; Purple 
Orchis, 7th; large Valerian, 8th; Dog Rose, 17th; Hairbell, 
30th. First worker Wasp seen on the 30th ; very late. 
JuLy. 
There was an absolute drought from the 26th of June 
‘until the 15th of this month, when just a trace of rain fell on 
three days, and the progress of all crops was considerably 
checked in consequence. On the 18th 1.29 in. of rain fell 
This was followed by a fine genial warmth, and sufficient mois- 
ture to maintain a vigorous growth. Ryegrass and early 
meadow hay were secured in fine condition. First dish of 
ripe strawberries was gathered on the rst. Corn ragging 
on the 5th. Knapweed came into bloom on the 17th. 
Meadow Brown Butterfly first seen on the rst. Daily mean 
temperature normal. 
AUGUST. 
No rain fell from the 30th of July until, the 8th of this 
month, and crops were beginning to suffer. From this date 
rain fell on most days until the end. This had a most bene- 
cial effect on crops and pastures, but made harvest work < 
tedious process. There was thunder, with heavy rains, on 
several days. Cutting oats began on the 2oth. Butterflies 
plentiful; Wasps very scarce. The lowest reading of the 
barometer during the year occurred on the 28th, when it 
reached 28.95 inches. This is an unusually low summer 
record. 
SEPTEMBER. 
After the 12th the weather was very broken, and harvest 
work made slow progress. There was also a difficulty in 
getting labour; and men supplied from the Army were in 
many cases very unsatisfactory, many of whom had never 
worked in a harvest field before. Swallows were gathering 
into flocks preparing for their migratory journey about the 
Sth. The last swallow seen was on the 1st of October. 
