KANSAS WEATHER SERVICE. 109 



before them. The sky above and around was as black as ink, but right in one 

 spot in mid-air above them was the summit of the spire, with the Hghtning play- 

 ing about it shining like a sun. Directly the great iron cross, together with the 

 ball at its foot, fell to the ground with a crash, and was shivered to pieces. But 

 the darkest hour is just before dawn. The glow above gradually subsided and 

 died out, and people grew less fearful and returned to their homes, the real night 

 came on, and when next morning dawned everything was bright and clear, and 

 the world was as natural as before. The phenomenon was noticed in a greater or 

 less degree from Quebec to Kingston, and far into the States, but Montreal 

 seemed its center. It has never yet been explained. ^ 



METEROLOGICAL REPORT FROM APRIL 20, TO MAY 20, FROM 

 OBSERVATIONS AT WASHBURN COLLEGE, TOPEKA, KAS. 



BY PROF. J. T. LOVEWELL. 



The period of this report from April 20th to May 20th, has been one of re- 

 markable vegetable growth. There have been showers on fifteen days, but no 

 very heavy rain. The largest rainfall was in a shower on the i8th, when 0.98 

 inches fell. Four of these storms have been accompanied by lightning and 

 thunder, but there has been little strong wind. The rains have also in great part 

 fallen in the night, and thus in every respect were calculated to accomplish the 

 greatest amount of irrigation of the soil compared with the total rainfall. The 

 promise of fruit and crops in this section, and in most of the State, is at present 

 excellent. To illustrate the advancement of the season it may be observed that 

 wild roses were in bloom here May 12th, and Syringa (P. Coronarius) on the 

 20th. 



The miles traveled by the wind are only about two thirds of that recorded last 

 month. 



, The highest pressure was 29.28 in. April 29th; the lowest 28.72 in. May 

 9th; range, 0.56 inches. 



The highest temperature was 86° on May 15th ; the lowest 48° on May 2d ; 

 range, 38°. 



The lightest velocity of wind was 38 miles on the loth, and no calms have 

 been observed. 



For the first time in several months, we notice a great prevalence of south 

 winds. The northeast winds have been next in frequency. The humidity has 

 been high, especially in the last two decades. 



It can hardly be said now, in spite of the late state of vegetation, that the 

 season is backward. 



