39 
small. As previously, I was able to interpret this 
that the threatening clouds would result in snow or 
snow-hail, if anything. 
lY. The damage to garden and field was, of course yery 
great. Fruit blossom suffered from the first frost,— 
of 28,° but, as everything was then dry, foliage and 
young shoots were not much affected. Next night 
everything was drenched, and the frost so severe as 
to penetrate an inch or two into the ground. Ponds 
were frozen and puddles gave a chance of sliding. 
The cold was, probably, more intense in many 
places less close to the city. At Mr. Backhouse’s 
nurseries, Holgate, from which a report was kindly 
sent to me, the thermometers ranged from 23° on 
tlie higher and dryer parts to 19° in the lowest spots 
with dampest soil. Their system is to place them 
on stands, facing north, about 4 feet from the 
ground, witli a board behind and above. Their 
losses were immense, that of York gardeners 
altogether must amount to many thousands of 
pounds. They report, especially, as badly hurt 
Beech, Ash, Sycamore, Chestnut, Spanish Chestnut 
especially, Turkey Oak almost destroyed. Common 
Larch and Spruce, most species of Abies and Picea 
and Azalea inol/i-'^, a recent introduction from Japan. 
Less injured are the Elders and English Oak; 
Hornbeam has escaped; Bielytra and Spircea 
(isfilboides are much hurt; many thousands of the 
finer varieties of Daffodil blooms are swept off. 
Standard and Dwarf Poses are less injured than 
was feared. 
Around York, generally, tlie following summaiy gives 
an idea of the results of such exceptional frosts, even 
in so late a season as this. 
Foliage .—Wild briers in some parts, notably on 
Bootham Stray, are greatly cut; even isolated 
hawthorn bushes are slightly touched ; beech leaves 
were shrivelled as if burnt, but the unopened buds 
