mr. a. w. preston’s meteorological notes. 
473 
X. 
METEOROLOGICAL NOTES, 1898. 
(From observations taken at Bradeatone House, Brundall, Norfolk.) 
By Arthur W. Preston, F. R. Met. Soc. 
Read '28th February , 189V. 
-January. 
Tims was the warmest January for forty-seven years past, and one 
of the mildest of the present century. The mean temperature 
(43. 1 degrees) was nearly 0 degrees above the average, and although 
this mean was nearly approached in 1884 we have to go back to 
January, 1851, for quite so high a value. The only other instances 
since 1800 were in 1804, 1S34, and 1846, which were nearly the 
same. The thermometer rose to 56 degrees on three days and to 
55.8 degrees on one day, and exceeded 50 degrees on as many as 
twelve days. There was practically no frost, the lowest reading 
being 29 degrees on the 11th. There was hardly any rain 
between the 5th and 29th, and the month’s fall was not much 
over half the average. The barometer remained continuously high 
between the 3rd and 31st, and there was but little wind till the 
30th, when a gale of some severity occurred from the West and 
North-West. The effect of the abnormally fine weather was 
remarkable. Winter Aconites and Snowdrops were in bloom in 
the first week, and on the 30th I counted over thirty Crocuses 
in full bloom in my garden, as well as many Hepaticas, Wallflowers, 
Primroses, and other early Spring flowers. On the marshes the 
Marsh Marigold ( Caltha patmtris) was beginning to bloom about 
two months before its usual time, and the Hawthorn and 
“ Myrobella ” were showing their leaf-buds. 
