Effects of the Winter of 1878-9, by James Hardy. 153 



Memorandum on the Effects of the past Winter on Gardens and 

 Shrubberies as observed at Woodside, Kelso. By Charles Dotjg- 



LAS, M.D. 



Althougli not much above the level of the Tweed, and therefore subject to 

 a temperature during the frosts of winter lower than our neighbours have in 

 higher grounds, I think, now that summer is trying to declare itself, that we 

 have suffered less than many from the past severe winter. I find, however, 

 that the damage to shrubs is greater than it appeared to be two months' ago ; 

 Laurels especially stUl shew dying branches, and the outside leaves and 

 twigs in many places have stUl an unhappy look ; but as far as I have ob- 

 served, the only losses in the shrubberies have been a Barberry, which was in 

 great beauty last year, and an Evergreen Oak. Another of these Oaks was 

 much pimished, but is now recovering, and the Laurels generally are throw- 

 ing out vigorous shoots from the larger stems. 



Several of our climbing Eoses have been killed outright, notably a 

 Mar^chal Niel, which, in a snug corner, had flowered in the open the two 

 previous years. Our Eoses generally looked miserable, many apparently 

 dead, but now most are coming away wonderfully, and with fine weather 

 may still make a respectable appearance. There was a very fair display of 

 Pear blossoms, but although the weather lately has been, in spite of N.E. 

 winds, comparatively mild with no frost at night, I can scarcely see any fruit 

 set, which is disappointing, as there seemed a fair promise of a good crop 

 after two years of barrenness. The lowest temperature marked this month 

 was 34** on the morning of the 1st, and the general average since the 1st, of 

 the minimum has been 42**. 



The Apple trees are scarcely sufficiently advanced in fruiting to give a fair 

 opinion of the prospect, but I am afraid, from the appearance of the blossom 

 after late dashing rains, that the chance of a fair produce is also very small 

 The Ehododendrons, of which we have only the later and hardier kinds, do 

 not appear to have suffered at all. 



I have noticed that last year, Thorn hedges were shewing green on March 

 3rd, this year they were no farther advanced on AprU 27th. Hawthorn 

 blossom on trees was noted as partially out on the 15th May; this year on 

 the 16th June. 



Last year Mahonia flowers were shewing on March 17th, this year on May 

 18th. Last year Laburnimi was out on May 19th, this year on June 4th, 

 Last year the common double white Lily was out on May 18th, this year on 

 June 4th. Last year Apple blossom was well out on 18th May, this year on 

 16th Jane, Last year Ehododendrons were shewing blossom on 1st June, 

 this year on 15th. 



The lowest temperature registered during the winter was on the morning 

 of the 13th December — 1" below zero. 



Jtme 19th, 1879. 



Eelso. By Mr Andrew Brotherston. 

 March 10, 1879. — It is impossible, as yet, to judge with any degree of cer- 

 tainty, the effects of the winter on plants ; but, so far as I can see, it will 



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