COUNCIL FOR 1886 . 
13 
temperature wliicli lasted until tlie middle of August, up to 
which date no two consecutive weeks were warmer than the 
average. Had it not been for two or three remarkable ‘‘ hot 
spells ” in March, May, and July, and the mild character of the 
succeeding three months, the result of such an untoward Spring 
would have been most disastrous. One probable result is the 
remarkable lateness of early bulbs and other Spring flowers, 
which Grardeners complain they cannot force as usual. 
Sunshine shows a marked increase, although still below the 
average. An error of focussing was discovered in February, 
which must have slightly reduced the amount recorded, not 
only in that month and January, but also in previous years. 
A careful comparison with other Stations allows us to hope that 
the error is not very extensive. The totals in November and 
December are unusual. 
Fain fell on 205 days, 39 in excess of the dry year, 1884 ; 
the total amount 29*43 inches, is 4^ inches in excess of the 
average from 1841 to 1885. But recent years have been so 
remarkably wet that the mean for 1871—1885 is 27*45 inches, 
compared with 24*01 from 1841—1870. The number of rainy 
days is similarly greater. The rainfall on July 25th was one 
of the heaviest in our records. 
Floods were more frequent than in the . previous year, the 
highest being on March 22nd, {12ft. 6 in.) 
The Barometer, on December 8th, fell to 27*777, a few 
minutes after 9 p.m., a point unprecedented at York. Only once 
before has it been below 28, namely 27*29 in January, 1843. 
Equally remarkable was the prolonged period of depression, 
whilst it fell below 29 twice again within the week. Hence the 
low mean barometer for December, 29*606 (the same as in 
January) is not surprising. We may note, too, that the highest 
reading was barely half a month earlier, 30*693, a range of 2*916 
inches. The recorded range for York now exceeds 3 inches. 
Auroras were hardly noticed, and the abnormal sun-glows 
were less frequent and conspicuous. Indeed the day glow has 
apparently disappeared. 
The Tables have been altered this year so as to embrace the 
