446 METEOKOLOGICAL EEPOET, 1871, BY THE 



15th, when the frost gave way for a time. The snow never 

 disappeared, and at the end of the month there were no signs 

 of the frost leaving. 



Wallington. — The year began with a sharp frost, being a con- 

 tinuance of the previous severe weather of December. On the 

 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 27th, the thermometer fell to 5°, 10°, 8°, and 

 7°. On twenty-eight mornings frost was registered during the 

 month. 



The lowest minimum temperature was on the 1st, 5°, and the 

 highest maximum on the 14th, 44*6°. The minimum mean for 

 the month was 23 , 8°, and the maximum mean 35*8°. Snow and 

 hail fell on fourteen days ; rain and sleet on four days. Frost 

 remained in the ground, with a covering of snow, during the 

 whole month, with the exception of a temporary thaw on the 

 6th, 7th, 14th, and 15th. The 19th and 20th were two re- 

 markable days, very bright and clear during the day-time, with 

 severe frost each night. Owing to the long continuance of frost 

 and snow upon the ground in this locality, birds of all kinds 

 suffered severely for want of food. Rooks were seen in num- 

 bers striving one against another round a dead wood-pigeon, 

 picking its bones in great fury, or any such like thing that came 

 in their way. They were quite tamed for the time, as well as 

 other birds about homesteads. 



Pheasants were also seen upon the thorn trees feeding on the 

 haws. 



Meldon, near Morpeth. — A very severe month ; the minimum 

 temperature was only three nights above the freezing point. 

 On the 1st and 2nd the reading of the minimum thermometer 

 was 3° each night, or 29° of frost. 



The brocoli were all destroyed by the severe frost, also about 

 half of the Brussels sprouts and Savoys. 



Wylam. — A cold, fine, dull month, with more skating than 

 there has been for many years. 



Barometer— Mean height at 8 a.m., 29-780; highest, 30-360 

 on the 27th ; lowest, 28-470 on the 16th. 



