p.8

312

injured in the transporting. It is estimated, from some comparisons which have been made, that its range is about .50 inch too low*.

It ought to be remarked, also, that the latitude and longitude, as well as the elevation of these observations, have not been definitely and strictly established by mathematical observations. They are regarded, however, as being not far from correct.

The observations have been made at the hours required by the Smithsonian Institution, viz.: Sunrise, 9 A.M., 3 P.M., and 9 P.M.

The amount of rain and melted snow for the year is 51.24 inches, giving the large mean of 4.27 inches per month through the year. This amount is much greater than was to be anticipated, from the great number of fair days, and the small amount of falling weather, which is very noticeable by one accustomed to the clouds and mists of the Green Mountains. The remark concerning the West, so frequently heard at the East, that "it rains here only at night and on Sundays," has been rather wonderfully established during the past year, as a large portion of the rain has fallen in the night!

Another fact observed is, that frequently the circumstances, which in Vermont are almost invariably accompanied by rain or falling weather of some kind, here pass away with only a storm of wind of greater or less force. This may be owing to the clouds being dissipated, and their moisture being absorbed by the great sweep of the winds over these extensive prairies. As two-thirds of the rain for the year fell in the three summer months, and one-third in one of these months, the remainder of the year may be regarded as having been rather dry.

The amount of snow which fell in the winter of 1849-50 was less than the usual quantity, being about four or five inches. There was some sleighing for three or four weeks. The quantity of snow, as appears from the observations of those longer resident here, varies greatly in different winters.

The year which has just past [passed] is considered as having been rather more productive than usual. Though the spring was uncommonly backward, yet the temperature was so uniform, that no portion of vegetation was unduly brought forward, and consequently injured by untimely frosts. Fruit, of the various kinds which have been introduced into this new country, did remarkably well, and gave fair promise of the "fruit-full" years to come. It appears to me that this cannot be otherwise than a very favorable country, both on account of soil and climate, for growing fruit of most kinds, such as apples, peaches, grapes, &c.,--
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*I have since determined the amount of correction necessary, by comparing with one of Greene's standard barometers, and found it to be .64 of an inch, i.e., .64 is to be added to the numbers in the barometrical column of the preceding table.--Lathrop