CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEASONS. 
177 
During three seasons we have noted, and called the attention of observing 
persons to these indications. In 1842, 1844, and 1846, the Oaks were the earlier, 
and those summers were hot and dry. In 1845 a wet season succeeded to the 
earlier leafing of the Ash. Let us now retrace their course during the late spring. 
Notwithstanding the rigour of the weather, which extended far into April, the Ash 
gave indication of speedy expansion ; the Oak was more tardy : hence a showery 
season was anticipated. As warmer temperature approached, the expansion of the 
leaves of both trees promised to be simultaneous. So soon, however, as the mild 
rains came, that is, as before shown, about the 7th to 10th of May, the race was no 
longer equal ; the Oak took the lead generally, and although it was evident that there 
was great irregularity, some trees being a week or more in advance of others, yet 
the Ash was effectually distanced. The admirers of woodland scenery, especially 
those who have studied the characters of trees, will be able to retrace the circum- 
stances just related, and therefore can recollect the prevailing weather of the entire 
spring and summer. Certain it is that rains and showers have fallen opportunely, 
though scantily ; but as a whole the year has been dry. With the exception of a 
thunder storm, July has been a prodigy of splendour ; and thus the only month of 
the twelve which admits the term periodical, as applied to its meteorology, has 
witnessed a complete exception to the rule. 
As a great deal has been said in all publications on horticultural and rural 
affairs, upon the prolificacy and abuudance of the Aphides or green-flies, it is but just 
to observe, that the Koses appeared to suffer in no degree so severely by them as 
they did in 1846 : then not a bud fairly expanded in the spring — all were disfigured. 
The infliction has fallen most severely upon currant-trees and beans ; the latter 
have been smothered by the black Aphis or dolphin ; the only entire exceptions 
witnessed by the writer were found in two large field-breadths, in rows 27 inches 
asunder, kept sacredly clean by unwearied hoeings till, in due season, turnips were 
sowed between the ranks : these beans were beautiful, and have been harvested with 
a rich and most abundant crop on them. 
There is no particular rule without exception ; but there are many valuable 
general rules which admit of little deviation : thus, tillage to a great depth secures 
ample moisture to counteract the effects of aridity in the driest seasons; good 
drainage acts in accordance, although it removes superfluous water ; cleanness not 
only promotes vegetation by destroying intrusive weeds, but it disturbs grubs and 
the larvae of insects. All the operations of high, prolific gardening, of surface 
culture, and of order, depend upon these general principles. 
We are the less scrupulous to introduce these general remarks, although they 
deviate from the strict floricultural character of the Magazine, because they bear upon 
the philosophy of scientific culture, whatever be its object. 
In no one thing is the astonishing variation of conditions more apparent than in 
the thermometric readings off and registers of different local establishments. As a 
matter of curiosity, and also with a view to encourage comparative experiments, the 
VOL. XIV. NO. CLXIV. A A 
