274 



MAINE STATE COLLEGE 



protected from the loss of heat which would ensue if the bulb were 

 exposed, its indications are from 20° to 30° higher, than when 

 placed side by side with a similar instrument with the bulb 

 exposed to the passing air.'' By the use of this instrument the 

 amounts of solar radiation at different places and in different sea- 

 sons at the same place are rendered comparable. The relations 

 of solar intensity, as distinct from temperature of the air, to the 

 growth and maturity of crops are worthy of careful investigation. 

 The high solar intensity maintained through the months of August 

 and September in this State, undoubtedly had an important bear- 

 ing upon the complete ripening of vegetables and fruits and like- 

 wise upon their excellent keeping qualities. From the wide range 

 of observations undertaken by Experiment Stations with radiation 

 thermometers, important deductions may reasonably be expected. 

 I subjoin a table of results from the maximum thermometer and 

 the thermometer for solar rediation expressed in monthly averages. 



Mean of readings, Sun Ther., 

 Mean of Maximum Tern., 



May 

 133.02 



67.85 



June 



134.22 



73.45 



July 

 139.55 

 75.30 



Aug. 

 137.56 

 73.72 



Sept. 

 122.79 

 71.23 



Oct. Mean 



105.86 128.83 



52.78 69.05 



Excess of solar intensity, 65.17 60.77 64.25 63.84 51.56 53.08 59.78 



Wind and Rain. 



The velocity of the wind has been determined by a Robinson's 

 Anemometer attached to the Experiment Station building, and the 

 amount of rain by means of a gauge, signal service pattern, 

 located in the same plat as the soil thermometers. 



The amount of rain, is, therefore, essentially the same amount 

 that has fallen on the experimental grounds of the Station, The 

 amount is less than normal, but it was so well distributed through 

 the season, that, at no time, did the crops materially suffer. The 

 wind record is the first made in this locality. The table given 

 contains its own explanation : 





W 



IND. 



Eain. 





Mean distance 



travelled per day. 



Miles. 



Velocity 



per hour. 



Miles. 



Amount 

 Inches. 



April, 



253.93 



10,58 



1.36 



May, 



189.83 



7.91 



1.61 



June, 



171.12 



7,13 



4.86 



July, 



200.33 



8.34 



3.27 



August, 



139.35 



5.81 



1.69 



September, 



198 06 



8.25 



2,10 



October, 



194.31 



8.09 



3.96 



Mean, 



192 42 



8.02 Total, 18.85 



