12 
1870 . 
Tile first nine days of December, 1869, were cold, but were 
succeeded by a mild fortnight, with S.W. gales, and heavy rain- 
fall ; a strong gale from the W. and bT.W. was recorded on the 
16th, when the barometer fell to 28.717, and the velocity of tlie 
wind was from 25 to 30 miles an hour. On the 24th a cold period 
commenced, the thermometer registering its minimum 17.5 on the 
29th. The rainfall was the greatest amount recorded for December 
during the last thirty years; it amounted to 4.22 inches, being 
2.21 above the average, but was succeeded by a very long drought, 
the deficiency in January and February was .31 and .57. On the 
1st of January the temperature rose 9 degrees, and unusually mild 
weather, with S. and S.W. winds, was recorded until the 17th. The 
aurora borealis was seen on the 3rd. On the 8th a strong S.W. 
gale was recorded, the velocity was 453 miles in the twenty-four 
hours, and the barometer fell to 28.943. From the 18th to the 
30th the days were again cold. On the 31st the temperature 
increased, and mild weather lasted until February 8th, when the 
thermometer again fell below freezing ; the cold weather continued 
for fourteen days, attended by strong E. winds. On the 24th the 
temperature increased, and warm days were recorded until March 
the 3rd, when the thermometer fell 14 degrees. A strong X.E. 
gale was recorded on the 4th and 5th ; and, with the exception of 
the 16th, 17th, and 21st, cold, unseasonable weather Avas recorded 
until the 5th of April. The rainfall for March was 3-lOths below 
the average. On the 5th of April the cold weather disappeared, 
and was succeeded by a long period of fine and unusual dry 
weather, the rainfall being .92 deficient in April, and 1.35 in May. 
The thermometer registered 80 on May 21st, and as high as 86 on 
22nd of June; on the 23rd of June, however, the maximum -was 
only 65, and ten cold days followed ; the rainfall for June was half 
an inch belovv the average ; it was also deficient half an inch in July, 
and 1-lOth in August. From the 4th of July to the 18th of August 
the weather was very fine and mild. A thunderstorm, Avith heavy 
rain, occurred on the 18th, and Avas folloAved by a strong N.W. 
gale on the 19th; a strong gale rose on tlie 28th, and lasted tAvo 
(lays, the velocity Avas 348 miles on the 28th, and 373 on the 29th. 
