( XV ) 
higher tcmperatm o tlian in 1868, and in both by so small an amount 
only as the one-fifth part of a degree ; but if wo compare the mean 
tomperaturo of the 171 days ending 30th June with the corresponding 
period of other years, wo find that the year 1822 is the only one 
distinguished by an excess of temperature over the present year. 
I'heso same five months have been further distinguished by 
having an almost constant atmospheric pressure above the average ; 
the mean monthly excess of pressure was more than 0°'l inch. They 
have also been distinguished by a deficiency of rain in each, month, 
with the exception of April ; the amount below the average in the 
five months ending June 30th was 2°'5 inches ; but reckoning from 
1st January the fall of rain is very nearly the true fall for the period, 
the deficiency being only 0°'l inch. The period from 1st Januaiy 
has been distinguished by an unusual distribution of rain ; in 
January it fell to the depth of 4'2 inches, being an excess for that 
month of 2*4 inches. The drought which was experienced towards 
the end of the quarter is not attributable, therefore, to a deficiency 
of rain since the beginning of the year up to the end of June, but to 
its unequal distribution over these months, there having been a 
great excess in January and a great deficiency in June, together 
with an unusual evaporation caused by continued high temperatures, 
extending over a period of five months. 
The highest temperature at Greenwich occurred on 19th June, 
when it was 87°, and on 13th and 14th June, when it was 85°. 
These temperatures were exceeded at some places in the Midland 
Counties. 
It is very remarkable that notwithstanding the continuance of 
high temperatures, only one thunderstorm occurred at Greenwich 
during the quarter, that on the 29th of May, on which day the 
greater part of the rain for that month fell ; and generally over 
the country there have been much less than the usual number of 
thunderstorms. 
For agricultural purposes the month of April was favourable, and 
at its end there was every prospect of an early and plentiful harvest. 
May was remarkable for brilliant sunshine, high temperature, the 
general forwardness of the season, and the promising appearance of 
the cereal crops. 
June was favourable to the ripening of the wheat crops, but 
injurious to gi-ass lands, and to all spring and root crops. 
The hay crop was housed in good condition at an unusually 
small expense ; the quality is good, but the bulk is stated to be small. 
In the quarter ending 'SOth June, the highest temperatures of the air 
were at Wilton and Leeds, 91°-0 , Eoyston, 89°-8 ; Weybridge Heath 
and Wakefield, 89^-0 ; and Boston, 88°8. The lowest temperatures of 
