THE CLIMATE AND SPRING FROSTS. 557 



as the 23rd or 24th of May, of which I made a particular observation, 

 and recorded the result in the " Gardeners' Chronicle," 1 which is perhaps 

 sufficiently interesting to repeat : — 



THE GREAT MAY FROST OF 1 867. 



"During the last two nights a most destructive frost, considering 

 the season of the year, has occurred, and I have been induced to 

 make a minute investigation in my own garden at Wallington to 

 ascertain the probable damage the country has sustained therefrom. 

 All trees, except the catalpa, the ash, and mulberry,' are in full leaf, the 

 young shoots of which, especially of the latter, have suffered. Besides 

 these the young shoots of the walnut, yew, holly, and ivy, are much 

 damaged, and those of the laburnum slightly. The leaves of all other 

 trees have escaped. The oak frequently suffers from May frosts, 

 but this year, in my grounds, it is not injured, probably because 

 the leaves are forward and capable of resisting cold. A very large 

 crop of apples is destroyed, the fruit being completely frozen through. 

 The largest apples in my grounds are those of the Irish Peach, 

 some of which are larger than marbles. Some are saved, but many 

 are destroyed. The state of the crop varies from this condition to trees 

 now in flower of the Court-pendu Plat ; and over a collection of about 

 300 distinct kinds, nearly all the young apples have perished. The 

 leaves of the Siberian Crab are damaged. Medlars appear secure, 

 and possibly quinces may not be destroyed where the fruit is not 

 set. Pears did not set well this year ; and of those that did, very 

 few in a collection of over 200 kinds will come to perfection, nearly 

 all being killed. The crop of plums was unusually large, but hardly one 

 is left of about fifty kinds. Curiously enough, the outdoor peaches, 

 nectarines, and almonds appear uninjured. Cherries also promised 

 an enormous crop, but of fifteen kinds every one, whether late or 

 eariy, appears to be utterly disorganized. The aspect of the Morello 

 cherries is particulariy pitiable. Gooseberries have partially suffered 



1 The "Gardeners' Chronicle," June ist, 1867. 



