130 NATURAL HISTORY 



frosts and a few respecting some very hot 

 Summers, that have distinguished them- 

 selves from the rest during the course of 

 my observations. 



As the frost in January 1768 was, for the 

 small time it lasted, the most severe that 

 we had then known for many years, and 

 was remarkably injurious to ever-greens, 

 some account of its rigour, and reason of 

 its ravages, may be useful, and not unac- 

 ceptable to persons that delight in plant- 

 ing and ornamenting ; and may particu- 

 larly become a work that professes never 

 to lose sight of utility. 



For the last two or three days of the 

 former year there were considerable falls of 

 snow, which lay deep and uniform on the 

 ground without any drifting, wrapping up 

 the more humble vegetation in perfect se- 

 curity. From the first day to the fifth of 

 the new year more snow succeeded ; but 

 from that day the air became entirely 

 clear ; and the heat of the sun about noon 

 had a considerable influence in sheltered 

 situations. 



