68 MR. A. w. Preston’s meteorologic^vl notes. 
the IGth a maximum temperature of 68 degrees was recorded, and 
on the two following days the heat was nearly as great. During 
this period, fine sunny weather prevailed with nearly cloudless 
skies, causing an unusually early start to vegetation. The mean 
maximum temperature for the week ending March 19th was 63.2 
degrees, against 38.3 degrees for the same week in the previous 
year. It is a remarkable fact that the mean maximum temperature 
for the week ending July 31st, 1883, was also 63.2 degrees. At 
the equinox the usual change occurred, the north-easterly current 
setting in, and continuing to the end of the month. The rainfall 
amounted to 1.30 in. ; but nearly all this fell during the first ten 
days of the month. 
April. 
This was the most ungenial month of the whole year. Although 
the first week was warm and summerlike, Avith growing showers, 
and maximum day-temperature from 60 to 68 degrees ; the Avind 
veered to the north and north-east on the 8th day, and remained 
persistently in that ijuarter for tAA^enty-two days ! During this 
period, shoAvers of cold rain and sleet frequently prevailed, and 
the Avind Avas of a very searching description, doing much damage 
to the fruit trees Avhich Avere then in full bloom, and being most 
trying even to the most robust constitutions. Night frosts Avere 
frequently experienced, and although the rainfall Avas not excessive, 
the number of days on Avhich rain fell Avas tAventy-tAvo. A severe 
earth(]^uake Avas felt in the Eastern Counties at 9.20 a.ni. on the 
22nd, doing much damage in the neighbourhood of Colchester. 
The shock, although slight at NorAvich, Avas noticed by many 
people in the city. 
^Iay. 
The first Aveek Avas someAvhat cool, and chiefly shoAvery, AA-ith 
thunderstorms on the 5th and 6th ; but on the 9th the most 
perfect summer weather set in, Avhich continued Avith but little 
intermission till the autumnal equinox. Great heat prevailed on 
the 10th, 11th, and 12th, a maximum temperature of 78 degrees 
being recorded on the 11th. The Avinds Avere Available, but chiefly 
from the soutliAvard, although the last Aveck produced some rather 
cold north-casters. Hardly any rain fell after the 6th, and the 
