P E I R C E'S STATISTICS OF THE WEATHER, &c., &c. METEOROLOGICAL ACCOUNT WEATHER IK PHILADELPHIA, FROM JANUARY 1, 1790, TO JANUARY 1, 1847, INCLUDING FIFTY-SEVEN YEARS ; WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING A GREAT VARIETY OF INTERESTING INFORMATION, FOR WHICH, SEE TABLE OF CONTENTS. BY CHARLES PEIRCE. PHILADELPHIA : LINDSAY & BLAKISTON, N. W. CORNER OF FOURTH AND CHESTNUT STREETS. 1847. i o i Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1847, by CHARLES PEIRCE, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. PREFACE. AT the friendly solicitations of a very considerable num- ber of highly respectable citizens of Philadelphia, who were aware that I had kept a regular account of the weather, for a longer period of time, than, perhaps, any other person now living ; I have concluded to give an Epitome of my nume- rous meteorological observations and records of the wea- ther, comprising fifty-seven years, commencing with Janu- ary, 1790, to January, 1847, giving a comprehensive review of each month during this long period. I did not keep a regular account myself until 1793, but a friend of mine who did, gave me his record from January 1, 1790, to 1793. At the time I commenced my record, I resided in Portsmouth, N. H., where I continued until 1313, when 1 removed to Philadelphia, and have ever since resided either in the city or county. After I removed hither, I was favoured with the loan of several records, kept by scientific gentlemen of this city, also a record kept at the Pennsyl- vania Hospital, whereby I was enabled to correct my New England Journal, according to the records kept here. I have also been favoured with access to records in the Philo- sophical, the Franklin, and the Athenaeum Libraries. From all of these valuable institutions I have taken many notes, which I have introduced into an appendix, with other in- teresting articles. I cannot omit to mention with gratitude my obligations to Dr. John Redman Coxe, who kindly loaned me a meteorological journal, that he had kept for a series of years, commencing with 1798, which I found very serviceable in aiding me to correct my record to this lati- tude. I have always been careful, when business has called me from home, to employ a competent person to keep my jour- nal of the weather posted up, that no chasm might occur. Very early in life I established correspondents in England and other parts of Europe, from whom I regularly received books and periodicals which contained accounts of the wea- ther there, and by whom I was also furnished with extracts M178519 VI PREFACE. from very ancient records of the weather, some of which I have occasionally published in the United States Gazette, Hazard's Register and the Saturday Courier, and which I shall now annex to this volume, with some additional ex- tracts. I am aware that some of these accounts of cold winters in Europe many years since, may seem incredible, but I give them as I received them, without vouching for their authenticity. They may afford some information, and can do no injury. I have added other articles, of the cor- rectness of which there can be no doubt. This volume will be, to many, a valuable book of refer- ence, in order to ascertain how the weather was in years long since gone by. In order more readily to refer to any particular month, I have placed each month in a class. For instance, the months of January follow each other from 1790 to 1847, and in like manner every succeeding month, so that a reference to any month in any year may be turn- ed to with the greatest facility. I have always been particular in recording the state of the atmosphere and weather, at, or before sunrise, also at two and ten o'clock, P. M., and my reason for so doing is, because the hour between day-dawn and sunrise is gene- rally the coldest of the twenty-four, on account of the in- fluence of the sun being longer absent from this planet. My reason for two o'clock is, because this hour is generally the warmest in the twenty-four; and for ten o'clock, P. M. is, that there are frequently great changes in the temperature of the atmosphere and weather between the hours of two and ten o'clock, P. M., which sometimes causes the mer- cury to sink from ten to twenty degrees ; therefore, by al- ways taking these three periods, any one can ascertain more accurately the medium temperature of any twenty-four hours. CHARLES PEIRCE. PHILADELPHIA, January, 1847. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Preface, - .5 Table of Contents, - January, February, March, 51 April, - - 68 May,- . 86 June, .... 108 July, - - 127 August, - September, - - 170 October, - 191 November, - December, - 237 Temperature of each year from January, 1790, to January, 1847, - 264 Appendix, - - 265 Cold and stormy winters in Europe, &c. - - 265 Cold and stormy winters in America previous to 1790, 268 Storms and hurricanes, - 272 Notes from our record, - 276 The old Congress of 1776, and Declaration of Inde- pendence adopted, - - 276 Great battle of Bunker Hill, - 277 Loss of lives during the Revolutionary war and cessa- tion of hostilities, - - 277 Definitive articles of peace signed at Paris, - 277 Grand Federal Convention promulgated the Federal Constitution, - 277 Vlll TABLE OF CONTENTS. Congress first met in New York, George Washington President, and John Adams, Vice President, - 277 Order in which the States adopted the Constitution, - 278 Washington enters Philadelphia on his way to New York, - .... 278 History of Philadelphia, - - 279 Buildings and improvements in Philadelphia, 283 Railroads, &c. - ... 289 Steamboats, - 290 Loss of steamboats, - - - 292 Tablet of memory, - - 293 America first discovered, - - 294 New England first planted by the Puritans, 294 New Hampshire first settled, - - 294 Philadelphia and other cities and towns first settled, 295 William Penn's first arrival, 295 First Assembly in Pennsylvania, 295 Penn's last return from Philadelphia to England in 1701 and death in 1718, - - 296 First yearly meeting of Friends in America, 296 First newspapers printed in France, England and America, and first post offices established, - - 296 New inventions, &c. - - 298 Large Fires, . - 299 Remarkable earthquakes, - - 300 RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA. From January 1, 1790, to January, 1847. JANUARY. 1790. The average or medium temperature of this month was 44 degrees. This is the mild- est month of January on record. Fogs prevail- ed very much in the morning, but a hot sun soon dispersed them, and the mercury often ran up to 70 in the shade, at mid-day. Boys were often seen swimming in the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. There were frequent show- ers as in April, some of which were accompa- nied by thunder and lightning. The uncom- mon mildness of the weather continued until the 7th of February. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 30. It commenced foggy and mild, and continued so until the 10th; rain having fallen on three days. After the 10th, it became very cold, and some snow fell, as it did seve- ral times afterwards before the month closed. There was good sleighing for about ten days in Philadelphia and vicinity. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 32, and the weather was very vari- 2 10 JANUARY. able. There were both rain and snow storms ; also some very mild and some very cold wea- ther. There was about one week of very bois- terous weather, both on the sea and land. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 40. The weather was very mild a great part of the month. Considerable rain fell, bat very little snow. No ice made either in the Delaware or Schuylkill in the vicinity of the city. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 32. There were some severely cold days, and a few very mild ones. On two morn- ings the mercury was 5 above zero. On six mornings from 12 to 20 above zero. During one storm about twelve inches of snow fell, and on another day about eight inches, after both these storms, the weather was very cold for se- veral days. It afterwards moderated, and con- siderable rain fell, which made very bad travel- ing for man and beast. The medium tempera- ture of the whole year was 50. 1795. As in the corresponding month of last year, there was much very cold, as well as some mild weather. The medium temperature of the month was 30 in this city. There were snow storms and rain storms. There were cold north-west winds, and mild south-west. There was some good sleighing, and some very bad wheeling. Some shipwrecks occurred, as there are in almost every winter month. On the 1st of this month, the cold was so intense in Eng- JANUARY. 11 land, that the Thames froze over, said a London paper, in ten minutes while the tide was turning. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 30. It commenced with fog and rain, and there was no very severe weather until the 23d, when it became intensely cold, and some snow fell, which helped to close the Delaware and Schuykill, by thickening the wa- ter. All navigation was stopped for several weeks. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and a cold stormy month it was. On two mornings the mercury before sunrise was five below zero, and at the perma- nent bridge, (crossing the Schuylkill at the head of Market street,) on the 9th, the mercury sunk to 13 below zero, and the two subsequent mornings to 10 below zero. There were two violent north-east snow storms, in which the snow blew into high banks, and so blocked up the roads, as to stop all intercourse between city and country for several days. The Dela- ware was ice-bound for several miles below the city, and wood was drawn with horses and sleds from New Jersey across the Delaware to the city and liberties. Horses were driven with sleighs on the Delaware from Trenton to the city. For four days there was -no mail re- ceived either from Baltimore or New York. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and there was much steady cold weather during the month, and particu- larly from the 14th to the close, much snow 12 JANUARY. x. . fell, which afforded two weeks of good .sleigh- ing. The mercury in this city was only once below zero, but for ten mornings, it was from five to fifteen above zero. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and it was mild, foggy and frequently rainy until the 20th, when it be- came so cold as to close the Delaware ; and it continued cold through February, and until the middle of March. On several days some snow fell, which produced good sleighing. The Delaware was closed by ice from the 22d of January, until past the middle of March. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 28. After the 6th, the weather was severely cold until the month closed, and a good deal of snow fell almost all over the country, as far south as the Carolinas, Georgia and New Orleans. The winter did not break until the 20th of March. There was great scarcity of fuel, and much suffering among the poor : and there were many shipwrecks and marine disasters. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 34. The month commenced foggy and much rain fell previous to the 12th. From the 13th to the close of the month, the weather was very changeable from cold to mild, and from snow to rain, in this vicinity ; but from papers from the interior of New York, Ver- mont, New Hampshire, Maine, &c., we learn there was much cold weather in those places, a great part of the month. On the 21st of this JANUARY. 13 month, water was first thrown into this city from the water-works. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 38. After the first week, the weather was as mild as April, and the mercury ran up to 68 on several days. During the last week, some trees and shrubbery were in blossom, but a few cold days the first week in February, destroyed all their beauty, and closed the Delaware. Considerable rain fell, but no snow. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 32. It commenced mild and foggy, and during the first eight days, considerable rain fell ; it then cleared with a strong north- west wind, and the mercury soon sunk down to fifteen above zero ; this north-west wind ceased after the third day, and the wind changed to north-east, and produced a violent snow storm, during which, several marine dis- asters occurred on the coast. After a week's sleighing, a south-east rain storm carried near- ly all the snow away. But during the last week in the month, there was another snow storm, and the month closed intensely cold. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 28, during which, there was some intensely cold weather, which, on three morn- ings, brought the mercury down to zero. Four mornings, from six to ten above zero. Eight mornings, from 15 to 20 above zero. On several mid-days, the mercury rose to the freezing point in the shade, (which is 32.) 2* 14 JANUARY. There were several snow storms during the month, and some very good sleighing. During one week, it was very mild, and considerable rain fell. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 29; it commenced and continued cold, until the 16th, when it moderated, and ten inches of snow fell, which was followed by several mild rainy days, after which, it cleared cold, and another snow storm succeeded, which produced about ten days of good sleighing, and some very cold weather, but the mercury did not sink lower than five above zero in this city and vicinity ; but the newspapers from some of the northern and eastern States, gave accounts of intensely cold weather, and the mercury to be from 15 to 20 degrees below zero, at Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester, in New York, also at Hartford, (Conn.) Worcester, (Mass.) in Vermont, and in Maine, and they said the degrees of cold were about the same in January 1804. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and the weather, (with the ex- ception of a few days) was tolerably mild, until the 22d, during which period, considerable rain fell, but very little snow in this vicinity. On the 22d, the wind changed to the north, and then to north-east, and a snow storm suc- ceeded, and it cleared intensely cold, which soon closed the Schuyllull and Delaware rivers, and January took her leave of us, with both rivers firmly ice-bound. The last week in this month, was very cold all over the United States and the Canadas, JANUARY. 15 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and it produced some intensely cold, and some very mild weather. Snow storms were soon followed by rain storms, and there was scarcely a week of steady weather in this vicinity, during the month. On several mornings, the mercury was at zero, and on others, it was above the freezing point, and at mid-day it was at 40 and above. On several mornings it was mild and foggy, and on others it was as cold as Greenland. It was indeed a month of many weathers, and extreme changes. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 27, and during which there was much steady cold weather. On two mornings, between break of day and sunrise, the mercury was three below zero. Five mornings, from 8 to 12 above zero. Six mornings from 16 to 22 above. Eleven mornings from 23 to 29 above. The remaining seven were from 30 to 36. During the middle of 16 days the mercury was from 15 to 30 above zero ; during the re- mainder of the month, at mid-day it was from 32 to 42. But little rain fell during the month, but more or less snow fell on seven days ; there was much good sleighing. Much severely cold weather was experienced in the northern and eastern States, and through the British provinces. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 29, and there was a good deal of mild, thawy, wet weather, but the month did not pass without several very cold days, in this vicinity, and a week of good sleighing. While 16 JANUARY. in Philadelphia the weather was mild and rain was descending copiously, it was snowing in the northern and eastern States. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and a very mild month it was, until the 19th. On several days the mercury ran up to 64 in the shade. It commenced in the fog, and continued in the fog, until many tim- orous persons were fearful that she would never get out of it. After being thus enshrouded in fog and mist, old Sol increased his heat to such intensity, as to devour the whole of it in one day, to the great joy of millions, but to none more than to the poor mariners, who had been for more than two weeks on the coast, without being able to find a port, into which to steer their vessels with safety. After the 16th, the weather was clear, mild and pleasant until the J9th, when it became intensely cold, and the atmosphere was soon congealed into snow, which descended copiously on the 19th and 20th, after which, there was good sleighing for several weeks. The Delaware closed on the night of the 21st, and remained so until the 1st of March. The weather became simul- taneously cold from North Carolina to the ex- treme west, and through all the middle, north- ern, and eastern States, and continued cold un- til March. During a part of this month, the cold was so intense at Moscow, that the mer- cury sunk to 40 below zero and froze. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 32, during which, the weather was very variable. But there was no remarkably JANUARY. 17 cold or mild weather. There were several very foggy mornings, and damp ; and some- times rainy days, -until after the middle of the month, when there was a pretty furious snow storm, which continued part of two days during which about twelve inches of snow fell, but it blew very much into banks, therefore it did not produce good sleighing. After the snow storm, it cleared cold, but not severe. Upon the whole, the month past oif pleasantly in this vicinity. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and there was some pretty sharp weather, and there were snow storms and rain storms. From the 1st to the 13th it was mild, and considerable rain fell. But after the first two weeks it was much colder, and some snow fell occasionally on different days, which produced good sleighing, and caused the month to pass away merrily with the young folks. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 29, and during the first two weeks, the weather was mild, foggy and wet, but from the 15th it was cold, and considerable snow fell on several days, which produced sleighing, and the jingling of bells were heard night and day until the month closed. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 28. The weather was exceedingly variable during the whole month. Sometimes intensely cold, with the mercury down to zero at sunrise, and on other mornings ranging 18 JANUARY. from 20 to 30 above. There was one week of very thawy, wet weather, after which it clear- ed very cold, and a north-east snow storm soon followed. The month closed with a cold north- wester. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and there was much severely cold weather. At sunrise on one morning the mercury was 7 below zero ; on another 5 ; and on two others, 3 below zero. On four other mornings it ranged from 6 to 10 above ; and on eleven mornings it varied from 14 to 20. On the remaining mornings at sunrise, it ranged from 24 to 34. There were several snow storms, some of which were followed by rain, which made horrible traveling. Both in this month, and the subsequent one, there was a great deal of suffering among the poor, for fuel and the common necessaries of life. The Schuylkill and Delaware were firmly ice- bound. There were several marine disas- ters, and much suffering on the -sea and land. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 32, and from the 1st to the 16th, the weather was mild, foggy and wet. On the evening of the 16th a re-action took place, and there was a deep snow, and the bridge at the falls of the Schuylkill fell. The weather afterwards cleared mild, and the remainder of the month was pleasant winter weather, neither severely cold, or so mild as not to need a good fire. On two or three days some light snow fell. JANUARY. 19 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 34. The weather was mild during the first two weeks, and considerable rain fell, but after the 14th, it became so cold, as to close the Delaware in a few days. On the 17th it snowed, and in the evening there was a thunder storm, followed by hail and snow. After the 22d, the weather moderated, and the ice gave way. But on the 2nd of February it again closed, and so remained until the 9th of March. On the 18th and 19th, the Potomac river froze completely over at Alexandria. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 34, and there was a good deal of mild, foggy, wet weather until the 16th, when four severely cold days followed. The -residue of the month, was pleasant winter weather. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 30. The month commenced tole- rably mild, but after the first week the weather was a little rainy, foggy, and very unpleasant until past the middle of the month, when more seasonable weather ensued, and the wind blew briskly from the north-west for several days. It then changed to the north-east, and just enough snow fell to produce good sleighing, and the young folks enjoyed it much, and some old folks also ! 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and quite cold enough. Jack Frost completely cheated us out of our January 20 JANUARY. thaw. It is true, that during several days, from eleven to three o'clock, it was mild and delight- fully pleasant. A good deal of snow fell, and the sleighing was very fine for two weeks. On three mornings, the mercury was from 3 to 5 below zero, and on six mornings from 6 to 12 above zero, for two weeks the mercury va- ried on each morning from 15 to 29. On three mornings only, was the mercury above the freezing point. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 25, and the coldest January month since 1780, in the United States ; an uncom- mon quantity of snow fell. On nine mornings, at sunrise, the mercury was below zero in Philadelphia and vicinity. On two of these mornings it was 1 below, and on two 9 be- low, and on five mornings from 2 to 6 below. On seven mornings it was from 4 to 10 above zero. On eight mornings from 12 to 18, and on no morning did it rise to 30. At New York city it was 7 below. On Long Island, N. Y., it was 13 below. At Albany 14; Sara- toga 15 ; Buffalo 16 ; Vermont 23 ; Canada 38 ; New Haven and Hartford 15; Boston 17 ; Sa- lem and Newburyport 20 ; Lowell 29 ; Exeter, N. H., 32; Concord, N. H. 37; Gardner, Maine, 33 ; Bangor 34 ; and Brunswick, Maine, 39, all below zero. At Brunswick the mercury became stiff in the bulb. The North river, leading from New York to Albany, was so firmly frozen, as to be past on the ice from one city to the other, 160 miles, and for sever- al days the Hudson was crossed from New JANUARY. 21 York to Jersey City on the ice, by numerous persons. But three other instances of the kind have occurred for a century, viz., in 1741, 1765, 1780. The sleighing was said to be good from Buffalo to the extreme part of the State of Maine; and from St. John's, New Brunswick, through the Can ad as to Michigan, and from Michigan, a thousand miles to the west. Every harbour was ice-bound from Alexandria, Virginia, to Eastport in the State of Maine, except the harbour of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 29. It commenced and continued mild, with foggy mornings, and some rainy days, until past the middle of the month, after which, the wind changed to the north-east and some snow fell, and the atmosphere cleared with a north-west wind, which continued until the 24th, when it again became mild, and so continued till the month closed. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 34. The weather of this month was exceedingly variable from its commence- ment to its close. It was alternately cold, mild, foggy, rainy, snowy and pleasant. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 32. It commenced cold, but a re- action soon took place, and a mild, foggy, wet spell followed until the 14th, when a pleasant change took place, and it was clear and fine until the 24th, when it became cold, windy, 22 JANUARY. and snowy for several days ; but moderated be- fore the month closed. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 34. The first eight days were very cold, and much ice was made in the Del- aware. But a week of mild southerly weather made every ice-bound river and rivulet give way, and a warm light rain cleared all before it, and ten days of delightful weather followed. On the 29th a boisterous north-wester set in, and the month closed very cold. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and the weather was very fickle during the entire month ; frequently changing from very mild to very cold ; and from a fierce snow, to a mild and light rain ; and vice versa. Then a few pleasant sunny days would smile upon us, which were followed by a raw, chilly north-easter, that would make one dread to leave his comfortable fire-side. And so the month began, and so it ended. The quantity of rain which fell during the month was If inches. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 28. The weather was alternately very cold and mild. There were several rain, and also snow storms, and about one week of good sleighing in Philadelphia and vicinity. But considerable snow fell in the western part of Pennsylvania and New York. The mer- cury was eight above zero one morning, and from 13 to 23 above on nine mornings. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. JANUARY. 23 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 39. This was indeed a remarkably mild month. The Delaware as free from ice as it is in June ; and not a flake of snow was seen in Philadelphia during the month. A great deal of southerly wet weather prevailed until the 16th, when it cleared delightfully pleasant with a westerly wind, and so contin- ued until the month closed. Early shrubbery and trees were beginning to put forth their buds. On several days the mercury ran up to 70 in the shade. Two inches of rain fell du- ring the month. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 29; the month commenced very cold, which closed the Delaware during the first week, but opened again about the middle of the month, when there was about ten days of mild wet weather, with an occasional plea- sant day. The Delaware closed again during the last week, and continued closed until the middle of February. Five and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 28. During the first three weeks, there was much mild, foggy and wet weather, after which, a re-action took place, and the re- mainder of the month was severely cold, with some boisterous snow squalls. The Delaware closed on the 25th. One and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and there was much intensely 24 JANUARY. .cold weather, (after the first week, which was very rainy,) and some boisterous snow storms. The earth was covered with snow, and the Delaware closed with thick ice from and after the first week in January until the last week in February, and there was much suffering among the poor. The streets in the city and roads in the country were banked up by the snow to a great height, and the newspapers from Virginia, also from the far west, and all through the middle, northern and eastern States, said, that more snow had fallen during this month, than in any corresponding month since 1780. A Salem, (Massachusetts,) paper, said the snow was drifted into banks in that town, and through that region of country, to the depth of fifteen feet. Other papers from the north and east published similar accounts. The storm commenced in this city on Friday evening with great violence, and on Saturday morning the market wagons were completely buried in snow on the north side of Market street. Mails were delayed on the road for two or three days. Many vessels were wreck- ed on the coast, and many poor mariners perished. Five inches of rain fell during the month. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 25. There was much intensely cold weather during this month. Several boisterous and severe snow storms. Schuylkill and Delaware closed with thick ice. The winter was long and severe all over the United States, and very similar to the corresponding month of last year. Mails delayed, by the JANUARY. 25 roads being filled with snow. On three morn- ings the mercury was from four to six below zero, and on six mornings from eight to thir- teen above zeto. The remainder of the month was seasonable winter weather. Four inches of rain fell during the month. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 30. The first two weeks were mild, foggy, cloudy and damp, and after an easterly rain storm, it cleared cooler on the 15th. But there was no severely cold weather during the month. From the 24th to the 31st, a few inches of snow fell, but not sufficient for sleighing in this vicinity. Four inches of rain fell during the month. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 29. The weather was very change- able ; foggy, cloudy, misty, rainy, clear, mild and cold. Very little snow fell in Philadelphia and vicinity ; but towards the last of the month considerable snow fell in the northern and eastern States, and cold weather followed. Two and a half inches of rain fell during the month in this city. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 28. The month commenced and continued intensely cold until past the middle. The mercury before sunrise in this city, on sever- al mornings, was from 2 to 4 degrees below zero, and on eight mornings from 6 to 15 above zero. After the snow storm of the 9th, the Delaware closed, but opened again by a rain storm pre- vious to the 20th. The residue of the month 3* 26 JANUARY. was tolerably mild winter weather. A New York paper of the 7th, stated that the mercury on that morning at sunrise, was 18 below zero, and at Albany on the previous morning 23 be- low; at Boston 15 below; at Newark 13 below. There was about two weeks sleighing during the month in Philadelphia and vicinity. Two and three-quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and a very snowy month it was. There were no less than seven snow storms, and several intensely cold days. It was general- ly supposed, that during the storm of the 9th and 10th, that nearly three feet fell in this city, and in the country it was stated to be much deeper. It was calculated that during the month, from eight to ten feet fell in many places. In the interior of Pennsylvania and New York, arid in various parts of New England, the newspapers stated the quantity which fell during the month to be from ten to fourteen feet. But two south east rain storms carried off a great deal of it. At one time the sleighing was said to be good from the Ohio river to the bay of Funda (Eastport,) and from Ohio, through Michigan, and down the Canadas to St. John, (New Brunswick,) and Halifax, (Nova Scotia). Seven and a half inches of rain fell during the month in this city, but while it rained here, it snowed in various other places. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 28. Every day in the month was clear, fine winter weather, but six. On the 20th and 21st, about four inches of snow fell, JANUARY. 27 after which it cleared very cold, and there was tolerably good sleighing until the 30th, when a dense fog and rain carried it all off. The lowest the mercury sunk in this city during the month was 5 above zero. 2 \ inches of rain fell during the month. On the evening of the 25th, there was a splendid atmospheric phe- nomenon, which lasted for nearly four hours, and for sublimity, beauty and magnificence was unsurpassed by any thing we ever before witnessed. [The night was mild, pleasant and clear ; its commencement was about a quarter past seven, in the north-west, and resembled a blaze of fire, which rapidly extended like a rainbow to the eastern horizon, and in a few moments spread its crimson hue over the whole hemisphere, unsurpassed in brilliancy and mag- nificence. It was awfully grand, and, perhaps, far exceeded in splendour, any thing before witnessed in this region. The rays of light va- ried from a deep red to crimson, tinged with yel- low, and at one time overspread the whole hea- vens. About eleven o'clock it began to wane, and by twelve had entirely disappeared. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 38, and from the 1st to the 30th the Delaware was as free from ice, (opposite and be- low the city) as in November. During the night of the 29th it became very cold, and at sunrise on the 30th the mercury was 16 above zero, and on the 31st only 12 above. Not a flake of snow, (that we heard of) fell in this city during the month. Eighteen days were clear, mild, and pleasant; and on eight days 28 JANUARY. some rain fell. The other five were cloudy or overcast. The sap rose in small trees and shrubbery, so as to produce buds, and some shrubbery in gardens of a south exposure put forth leaves. On several days, from 12 to 3 o'clock, the mercury ranged from 60 to 64. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1839. The medium temperature of this month, was 30. It commenced very cold, with the mercury only seven above ^ero; but it soon moderated, and continued mild until the 15th, when eleven days of very cold weather followed. On four of these days, some snow fell; (about six inches in all.) On the 24th, the mercury sunk to only four above zero. On the 25th and 26th if rained in torrents, and (the ground being hard frozen) it produced one of the most destructive freshets experienced for many years. It caused a rise in the Schuyl- kill river of fifteen feet ; and swept a\vay seve- ral bridges, mills, &c. In New York city and county, the wind blew a perfect hurricane, un- roofed several houses and other buildings, and did great damage to the shipping at the wharves and at anchor. Five and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1840. The medium temperature of this month, was 24. The medium being one de- gree lower than any month of January we have on our record. The month was without a thaw. Some snow fell on eight days. About eight inches in all. On eight mornings the mercury was from two to ten above zero. On JANUARY. 29 eight more, from ten to twenty above. On one morning, only, it was above the freezing point. The Schuylkill closed on the 1st, and the De- laware would have followed suit, but for the ice-boats. But Jack Frost obtained a victory over them on the night of the 16th, and placed his broad white seal upon the Delaware, which remained unbroken for several days. At Bal- timore and Washington the mercury sunk down to zero. We afterwards saw it stated in the newspapers, that at Gettysburg, and seve- ral other towns in the interior of Pennsylva- nia, the mercury was thirteen below zero. At Albany, Saratoga, Buffalo, N. Y., 30 below zero. At Hartford and New Haven, Conn. 15 below. At Springfield, Mass., 30 below. At Boston 14, and Portsmouth, N. H., 14 be- low. At Portland, Augusta, Eastport, &c., in Maine, from 20 to 30 below. In Montreal and Quebec, from 37 to 39 below, and the roads well blocked up with snow. There were great disasters amongst the shipping on the coast and in harbours, &c. Two inches of rain fell in this city during the month. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 33, and the quantity of rain that fell was seven inches and three quarters. The month commenced with a violent north-east snow and hail storm. It cleared cold on the 2d, and on the 3d, at sun-rise, the mercury was only three above zero; and on the 4th, four above. There was good sleighing until the evening of the 5th, The 6th and 7th were foggy and rainy, and the mercury, on the 30 JANUARY. morning of the 6th was 36, and on the 7th, 55 ; and at mid-day, 48 and 58. The ice in the Delaware, (which closed on the night of the 2d,) now gave way, and the weather was tolerably mild until the 18th, when a re-action took place, and the mercury sunk to 14, and on the 19th to nine only above zero. From the 21st, it was mild until the month closed. Some snow fell on four days, and rain on thirteen. Some days very little fell. But the powerful rain of the 6th and 7th produced a destructive freshet. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 34f , and 1J inches of rain fell. A very little snow fell on four days, not exceed- ing in the whole two inches. With the ex- ception of eight days, the weather was mild and pleasant during the whole month in this vicinity. On the 25th there was a conjunction of the two largest planets of our solar system, (Jupiter and Saturn) which occurs only once in twenty years. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 38, and If inches of rain fell, and about the same quantity of snow, in the vi- cinity of Philadelphia. It was a remarkably mild and pleasant winter month. But the newspapers informed us that, while Philadel- phia was so highly favoured, various other places were experiencing very different wea- ther. On the 26th Pottsville was visited by a tremendous hurricane, which swept away al- most every thing before it. On the 7th and 8th of the month, Danville, Pa., was visited by a very destructive storm of wind and rain, which JANUARY. 31 swept away bridges, and did a great amount of other damage. On the 7th, there was a great fall of snow in Tennessee, and it was intensely cold, and the papers stated that the cold extended to Louisiana and Mississippi. It was also in- tensely cold at the north, and down through the Canadas to the bay of Funda. The Mon- treal and Quebec papers said the weather was so cold, that the mercury sunk 36 degrees be- low zero. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 27. Two and a half inches of rain fell, and some snow on four days, making about five inches in the whole, and two days sleigh- ing in the vicinity of the city. One morning the mercury was 6 above zero. On three, 7 above; and on eight mornings, from 13 to 20 above. On the remaining mornings, it was from 21 to 35. On the mornings of the 26th and 27th it was 14 below zero at Albany, and intensely cold all through the northern and eastern states. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 38. Three and a half inches of rain, and about two inches of snow fell during the month. A milder and pleasanter winter month could scarcely be desired than was ex- perienced in this latitude. But very few in- stances occurred in which the mercury sunk below the freezing point in the city ; and it frequently ranged from 50 to 60, from eleven to three o'clock. The Delaware below Ken- sington, and the Schuylkill below Fairmount, 32 JANUARY. were as free from ice as in mid-summer. The medium temperature of the whole year was 54. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 33 f. Four and a half inches of rain fell, and about three inches of snow. From the 1st to the 17th, the weather was very mild, when a re-action took place, and the cold in- creased so fast as to sink the mercury 26 de- grees from three o'clock P. M. of the 17th, to sunrise the next morning, and the weather con- tinued cold until the 30th, with the exception of two days. On the 30th the wind southed, and the mercury ran up to 52, and on the 31st to 58 at mid-day. On the 20th and 21st, from three to four inches of snow fell, which made a few days of good sleighing, as it cleared and continued cold for several days. The snow- storm of the 20th and 2] st was very severe, and extended far to the south, the west, the north, and the east; and in several directions so blocked up the roads as to delay the arrival of the mails at the usual hours. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE MOXTH OF FEBRUARY. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 32. The weather was mild until the 7th, when a reaction took place, and cold weather set in, in earnest, and \vith the excep- tion of a few days it continued pretty cold un- til the 17th of March, when the winter broke. During the month of February, there were both rain and snow storms, and some very mild and pleasant days. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and the weather was very va- riable, being sometimes very cold, and then very mild. Considerable snow fell, which made about two weeks good sleighing. Some rain fell on six days. There was some very pleasant winter weather during the month. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and there was a few intensely cold days. The remainder of the month was comparatively mild, particularly in this lati- tude. There was considerable rain, but very little snow in Philadelphia. There were, how- ever, a few snow squalls. 4 34 FEBRUARY. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 32. Very little ice made in the Delaware, notwithstanding there were seven or eight days of very cold weather ; there being no snow to thicken the water was probably the reason. Three-fourths of the month was very mild, and considerable rain fell. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 31. During the month there was some very sharp weather, which closed the Delaware for nearly two weeks; but a foggy, rainy spell soon cleared both rivers, and made free ingress and egress for vessels. It snowed and rained on several days. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and snow fell on several days, which made good sleighing in the vicinity of Philadelphia for a short time ; but some rainy days soon spoiled the sleighing, to the grief of many young folks. The Delaware was ob- structed by ice for ten days. Several vessels arriving in the course of the month, reported having experienced some very rough and stormy weather on the coast. 1796. The medium temperature of this month w r as 28, and the month was very cold until past the 20th, the mercury several morn- ings was below zero, and considerable snow fell. The last week in the month was mild and plea- sant, which, with some rain, carried the snow off very rapidly. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and a very cold stormy month it was. Both rivers fast. Fuel scarce and FEBRUARY. 35 dear; and great suffering among the poor. Mercury on three mornings from 5 to 13 below zero; and several mornings from 6 to 15 above zero. The nights generally cold the remainder of the month, but the days tolerably mild and pleasant. But little rain fell. The cold was tremendous from the far west to extreme east. Mariners on the coast suffered extremely ; and there were several vessels wrecked. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 26. There was not so much in- tensely cold w r eather during this month, as in the corresponding month of last year, but it was more uniformly cold. The cold was how- ever interspersed with some mild and cheering days. The Delaware was closed about half the month, and there was much floating ice the other half. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 29. The weather was very varia- ble. Sometimes intensely cold, and then a mild spell. There were both snow and rain storms sleighing and wheeling. The Dela- ware was either entirely closed, or greatly ob- structed by ice from the last week in Novem- ber until the first week in March ; indeed, the winter did not break until past the middle of March. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 27, and there was much intensely cold weather during the month, not only in Pennsylvania, but all over the country ; and the winter did not break until the second week 36 FEBRUARY. in March. A great deal of snow fell as far south as the Carolinas and Georgia, also, through all the western, northern and eastern states. The Delaware was closed until March. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 28. The first week was intensely cold, and closed the Delaware for a short time. After the 10th, there was much mild wet wea- ther, with an occasional cold day or two. Very little snow fell. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 34. The first week was very cold, and destroyed all the beautiful flowers which put forth during the previous month, (Janu- ary.) The Delaware closed on the 3d, but gave way again after a few days. The re- mainder of the month was mild, and considera- ble rain fell. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and a very variable month it was. There were several snow storms, and the weather afterwards cleared cold. After the 20th it was mild, and rain fell on several days. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 28. It was tolerably mild and pleasant until the 9th, afterwards it was very cold and stormy, and a good deal of snow fell. It continued cold until the 10th of March. ] 805. The medium temperature of this month was 29, and there was much cold and stormy weather. Considerable snow fell, which produced good sleighing. The rain storm in the last week in the month caused a great FEBRUARY. 37 freshet. It afterwards cleared very mild and pleasant. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 28. It was steady cold during a great part of this month. The ice gave way in the Delaware about the 20th ; after w r hich it was tolerably mild to the close of the month. Very little snow fell. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 28. The weather was very varia- ble. There were both snow and rain storms. Very cold and very mild weather. Cloudy, overcast and clear ; windy and calm. Mercury almost down to zero on three mornings ; and at c5 / mid-day, it was several times up to 50. There was much cold weather at the west, the north, and the east, and considerable snow fell in these directions. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 32. Very little snow T , but con- siderable rain fell. With the exception of one week, the weather was mild and pleasant a great part of the month. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and an intensely cold month it was. The Delaware closed with thick ice the first week in February, for several miles below the city. The mercury was several degrees below zero on three mornings in succession. Some accounts said seven, and others eleven below zero. On the 27th of the month, the merchants employed a great number of men to cut the ice from Pine street wharf to Glouces- 4* 38 FEBRUARY. ter Point, in order to facilitate the sailing of several vessels that had been loaded for some time. The severe weather continued until nearly the close of March. There was a great deal of snow on the ground. Fuel was scarce and very high, and there was great suffering among the poor, 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 27. The Delaware closed on the 29th of January, and remained so until the first of March. Much snow fell daring the month of February, and the roads in the country were blocked up in every direction. Several vessels were wrecked on the coast, and many poor sailors lost their lives. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and there was much intensely cold weather, and great suffering on sea and land. After the first week the weather mode- rated a little, and a good deal of snow fell. There were three snow storms during the month, and very little rain fell. Fuel so scarce in Philadelphia, that oak wood sold for fourteen dollars per cord. 1812. The medium tempe/rature of this month was 27. There were several snow storms during this month, but after the fall of snow the atmosphere became mild, and rain generally followed. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 27. The weather was very varia- ble; sometimes very cold, and then mild. There were were several snow storms, but in FEBRUARY. 39 no instance did much fall at any one time in this vicinity. Some rain also fell on several days. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 28 ; and the weather very similar to that of the corresponding month of last year; perhaps rather more snow fell. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 24. Almost the whole of the month was intensely cold. On several morn- ings the mercury was from 8 to 12 below zero. There was considerable snow on the earth when the month commenced, and there were several snow storms during the month. The snow was very deep from Ohio, all through the mid- dle, northern, and eastern states to the extreme part of Maine. The Delaware closed in De- cember and opened again. It closed again in January and remained closed all through Feb- ruary, and until the second week in March. Fuel was exceedingly scarce and dear. Oak wood sold from twelve to fourteen dollars a cord, and hickory for sixteen dollars. Anthracite coal had not been generally introduced. Fuel being so scarce and high, there was much ex- treme suffering among the poor, which was a general complaint almost all over the country. At one time wood sold in New York for twenty dollars a cord. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 28. There were a few intensely cold days; but excepting these, the weather was tolerably mild during the month. There 40 FEBRUARY. was snow, hail and rain, but neither fell in great abundance. During some cold days, the Delaware froze over, bat soon opened again op- posite and below the city. The ice above the city, at Burlington, Bristol, Trenton, &c did not clear out until the first of March. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and in all conscience it was cold enough. The mercury was several times from 1 to 8 below zero from the 1st to the 16th. On the 2d, the weather became intensely cold, and the Delaware soon closed for a mile below the city, and continued closed until the first week in March. Considerable snow fell, but very little rain. On the 22d, an ox was roasted on the Delaware opposite Philadelphia. The cold extended from east to west, and from north to south. At Washington city the mercury was 2 below zero on the 15th. At Salem, Mass., 20 below. Boston harbour was closed with thick ice as far down as Fort Independence. From the 20th to the 22d snow fell to the depth of 3 feet on a level in Boston and in many parts of New England. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 26. It came with a violent north- wester, which made the window-sashes rattle and shutters slam at a tremendous rate ; and the cold increased with such rapidity as soon sunk the mercury below zero. The intense cold con- tinued only a few days, but sufficiently long to close the Delaware some distance below the city. With the exception of a few mild days, the weather was cold until the month closed, FEBRUARY. 41 and until the 10th of March. But little snow fell in this vicinity during the month. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 28. It commenced and continued cold until the llth, when the winter broke, and it was very mild the remainder of the month. Very little rain fell. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 30. It was cold until the 12th, when the winter broke, and the remainder of the month (with the exception of a few days) was mild and pleasant. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 32, and with the exception of a few intensely cold days, the weather was mild dur- ing a great part of the month. January, the month before this, was the coldest for many years. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 27, and there was much severely cold weather, but not a great deal of snow fell in the vicinity of Philadelphia, although it abounded in the northern and eastern states. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 36. It was severely cold the first week, but the remainder of the month was mild. It both snowed and rained on several days, and several days were remarkably mild and plea- sant. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 34, and, with the exception of seven days, the weather was mild and generally plea- 42 FEBRUARY. sant. It rained, however, on several days, but very little snow fell in this vicinity. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 32, and the weather w^as very va- riable. The first week was pretty cold, and some snow fell. It was alternately cloudy, rainy and clear until the 20th, when the winter appeared to break, and it was mild and plea- sant to the close of the month. Three and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 26. It was intensely cold until the 10th. On three mornings the mercury was from 2 to 4 below zero. After some snow fell, the weather moderated and became very mild. On the 15th, some rain fell, after which the winter broke, and it was uncommonly warm, foggy, drizzly, and occasionally clear and plea- sant until the month closed. Two and a quar- ter inches of rain fell during the month. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 27, and the weather was one de- gree colder than January. Snow fell several times during the month, but not to much depth. A little rain also fell on two or three days. The weather was very variable, from cold to mild, and from overcast to fair and pleasant. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and the weather was more like April than a winter month. Apricot and peach trees were in bloom on the 20th; but some FEBRUARY. 43 frosty nights in March destroyed most of the promised fruit. Two inches and three quarters of rain fell during the month. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 27, and the weather was cold and occasionally stormy until the 16th, when it be- came mild, foggy, rainy, &c. and the ice in the Delaware gave way, and vessels had free in- gress and egress. The weather continued very mild until the 24th, when a re-action took place, and the remainder of the month was very cold. Three and three quarter inches of rain fell dur- ing this month. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 25, it commenced and continued cold to the end of the month, with the exception of a few days. There were several snow storms, but not more than six inches fell at one time. Two inches of rain fell during this month. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and there was much intensely cold weather, and several deep snows, not only in Pennsylvania, but all through the western, northern, middle, and eastern states, and also in Maryland, and the western parts of Virginia ; some snow also fell in the Carolinas, and in Alabama. The earth was covered with snow 7 from the first week in January to the first week in March, from Maryland to Maine. In many places the snow was blown into banks from ten to twenty feet high. There was great suffering among the poor, not only for fuel, but for the 44 FEBRUARY. common necessaries of life. There were seve- ral melancholy shipwrecks during the winter. Two inches of rain fell during this month. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 27 ; it was indeed another cold month, and there were several severe snow storms, extending to the east, west, north and south. And the cold weather continued until the middle of March. Two and a half inches of rain fell during this month. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and the first ten days were pretty cold and some snow fell, after which the weather became very mild and the winter broke. One and a quarter inches of rain fell during this month. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 29, and the weather was very va- riable, from cold to mild, from wet to dry, from .cloudy to clear, and from foggy to rainy, with some flirts of snow. So it began and so it ended. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell during this month. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and it was very cold a great part of the month. There were two pretty se- vere snow storms and some snow fell on other days. Fuel was scarce and high, and there was much suffering among the poor. Two inches of rain fell during this month. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 24 ; it commenced intensely cold. FEBRUARY. 45 From the 2d to the 6th, on each morning at sunrise, the mercury ranged from 1 to 4 de- grees below zero; and there were twelve in- tensely cold days during the month, and good sleighing the whole month, to the south as far as Virginia; to the west as far as the Rocky Mountains ; to the north, through Upper Can- ada, and to the east, as far as the Bay of Funda. There were eight snow storms^ and it was esti- mated at the time, if the snow had fallen on a level and remained to the end of the last snow, it would have been from 8 to 10 feet in depth. But the newspapers stated it to have blown into banks in some places, from 20 to 25 feet high. It was the coldest month of February since 1815. Three inches of rain fell during this month in this city. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 33, and it was very mild during a great part of the month. There were only six very cold days. A very little snow fell on three days, making about 2 inches in all ; and some rain fell on five days. Although the wea- ther was so mild, the Delaware was a good deal obstructed by ice. Three and a half inches of rain fell during this month. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 24, and during which there was a great deal of severely cold weather, and had it not been for the ice boat that was just intro- duced, the Delaware would have been closed the whole month. On eighteen mornings the mercury was from 6 to 20 above zero, and the average temperature of the month at sunrise 5 46 FEBRUARY. was only 18f , which is 13 below the freezing point. Some snow fell on four days, and there was sleighing from the 16th to the 22d. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell during this month, 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 33. About two inches of snow fell, which melted almost as soon as it reached the earth, and two and a half inches of rain fell. The weather was mild during the whole month, excepting on four days, viz. on the 6th, it was 11 ; on the 7th, it was 12; on the 10th, it was 14; and on the llth, it was 20 above zero. It was so mild at mid-day, that the mercury on twelve days ranged from 40 to 48, and on five days from 50 to 54. Notwithstanding this month was so mild in Pennsylvania, the papers inform us, that the weather in the state of Maine was severely cold and boisterous, and the mer- cury sunk 20 degrees below zero, and 22 below in the Canadas. And the last accounts from Europe say, that the weather there, during the last and forepart of the present month, was aw- fully tempestuous, both on the sea and land, and many distressing shipwrecks had occurred. Among them, were three of the New York Liver- pool packets, viz. the Pennsylvania, the Oxford, and the St. Andrew ; and that a great amount of damage was done in the towns of Liverpool, Manchester, &c. We .mention these items to show how very different the weather is in dif- ferent parts of our planet, at the same time. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 39. From the 1st to the 6th it was FEBRUARY. 47 intensely cold ; the mercury ranged from zero to 15 above, which closed the Delaware below Pine street, and would have kept it closed but for the vigilance of the ice boat. On the 6th, the wind southed , the weather suddenly became very mild, the rain poured down, and his icy ma- jesty soon took his flight from this vicinity, and six inches of snow which fell on the 1st, soon ran into the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers. The remainder of the month was mild and ac- companied by occasional fog and rain. The quantity which fell during the month was three inches. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 29. About six inches of snow, and one and a half of rain fell during the month. It was very cold from the 10th to the 17th, the mercury ranging from 3 to 13 above zero ; the other parts of the month were moderate, or comfortable winter weather. A little snow fell in this city on six days, but not enough for sleighing at any one time. The Delaware was very much obstructed by ice for two weeks. While the weather in this country during the winter has been comparatively mild, it was on the other side of the Atlantic uncommonly bois- terous and severe. A London paper of Febru- ary 3d, says : " The severity of the w r eather is great, and numerous shipwrecks and other dreadful disasters have occurred. It was so excessively cold in Sweden in December, that it was computed that three thousand persons perished. 3842. The medium temperature of this 48 FEBRUARY. month was 38. About two inches of snow, and four and a half inches of rain fell during the month. With the exception of nine days, the weather was mild. On the 9th, the mercury sunk to 14, and on the 17th to 13 above zero, at sunrise. On the 4th the mercury ran up to 66 in the shade, and there was a heavy thunder shower in the evening. On the 13th, 16th, 19th and 26th, there were easterly rain storms, mixed with a little snow. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 27. A little snow fell on live days, making about seven inches in all. There was sleighing for three days. Two and a half inches of rain fell during the month. On the mornings of the 7th, 8th, 9th, 16th, 17th, and 18th, the mercury ranged from 10 to 12 above zero, and considerable ice made in the Dela- ware, but the ice boat kept the river open, so that vessels had free ingress and egress. The weather was not severely cold in this vicinity, but in the papers, we saw it stated that in New York, and in the northern and eastern States, it was intensely cold and boisterous, and that a great deal of snow had fallen. The weather was also very cold at the south. Snow fell in South Carolina to the depth of two inches ; and there was both snow and ice in Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 32. It commenced and continued pretty cold for two weeks. The remainder of the month was tolerably mild. Some snow fell on the 1st, 8th, and 17th; in the whole FEBRUARY. 49 about eight inches. There were but a very few days of sleighing during the whole month. On one day the mercury was 10, on another 8, and on another 15 above zero, which were the only very cold days. Only one and a half inches of rain fell during the month. In a work I have been looking over, I find an account of a great snow storm which took place in the New England States, from the 19th to the 22d of February 1717, (one hundred and thirty years ago,) during which, snow fell to the depth of six feet on a level, from Connecticut to Maine. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 35 ; and four and three quarter inch- es of rain, and five inches of snow fell. There was sleighing from the 8th to the 12th. From the 1st to the 10th, it was severely cold, the mercury ranging from 10 to 20 above zero. From the llth to the close of the month, the weather was mild particularly in the vicinity of Philadelphia. On the 4th and 5th there was a very severe snow storm in all the north- ern and eastern states, and through the Canadas ; after which it cleared intensely cold. During the storm many disasters occurred to the shipping on the coast. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 28. The quantity of rain which fell was three and a quarter inches. On eight days, more or less snow fell, making in all twenty inches in this vicinity. During the snow storm on the night of the 14th and the morning of the 15th, about six inches fell, and 5* 50 FEBRUARY. the wind blew a perfect gale from the north-east, which prostrated many trees in the city and vicinity, and did much injury to vessels in port and on the coast. During this storrn, ten vessels were wrecked, on and near Squam Beach, and sixty persons perished. Among the vessels that were lost, was the packet ship John Minturn, from New Orleans, bound to New York. There were fifty persons on board thirty-eight of whom perished, including the captain and his wife and their two children. Several other vessels were wrecked on the American coast, and many lives lost. The last three days in this month were very cold. On the morning of the 27th, the mercury was only 8 above zero. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 38, and the weather was cold and boisterous until the 17th, and some snow fell on three days. From the 17th to the close of the month it was mild, and considerable rain fell. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 40. The first eight days were re- markably mild and pleasant, after which the wind changed to north-east, and some snow, and then rain fell. On the 10th the wind changed to south-west and it again became mild and pleasant for several days, and vegetation came forth rapidly. But the last week was cold arid frosty, and some rain fell. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 37, and the first two weeks were windy, cold, cloudy and clear alternately, and some snow and rain fell. From the 15th to the 22d, it was remarkably mild and pleasant. The last week was very variable ; sometimes rainy, and then cloudy, and then clear. 52 MARC H. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 34, and there was much of cold, stormy, snowy, frosty weather, and several rainy days. There was scarcely a mild plea- sant day until after the 20th, when it became spring-like and cheering, and some signs of vegetation soon appeared, to the joy of thou- sands. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and, notwithstanding there was much cold, stormy weather, yet, there was also much that was mild and pleasant. Pre- vious to the middle of the month, there were several storms, intermingled with snow and rain. But a brisk north-wester, which com- menced on the 16th, and continued for several days, cleared the atmosphere and introduced some fine and pleasant weather, which con- tinued until the month closed. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 34. It commenced cold and windy ; and snow storms and rain storms followed, so that there was very little pleasant weather dur- ing the first three weeks ; at the end of three weeks the wind southed, and it rained mode- rately for two days, after which it cleared warm, and vegetation came forward rapidly. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 38. It commenced cold and windy, but after a snow squall on the 6th, the wind changed to south-east, and some rain fell ; the weather then became mild and pleasant for a week ; a cold frosty spell then followed ; and MARCH. 53 the remainder of the month was alternately rainy and fair. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and there was much cold and boisterous weather, with some snow and rain, until the 12th, after which it was tolerably mild and pleasant until the 19th, when a week of easterly wet, chilly weather ensued. The wind then changed to south-west, and the remainder of the month was delightfully pleasant. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 34, and it was more like a winter than a spring month. Considerable snow fell, and there was much cold boisterous weather, and very frosty nights. Very little rain fell during the month. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 35, and the weather continued win- tery until the middle of the month, after which the spring opened beautifully. As late as the 14th of the month there was a pretty deep snow, but a copious rain soon carried it all off, to the great joy of many. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and the weather was very cold until the 8th, then followed ten days of delight- ful spring weather, but the remainder of the month was very variable, sometimes rainy, then clear and windy, with cold frosty nights. So the month ended. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 36. It opened mild and pleasant 54 MARCH. and diffused pleasant sensations into all who experienced the delightful change and improve- ment in the atmosphere. But, alas, we live in a changeable world. The second week brought clouds, wind and snow squalls, which dispersed all the pleasant sensations of the previous week ; but, fortunately, this gloomy weather was of short duration, as the wind took a whirl to the south, and after a fine warm rain, it cleared mild, and the remainder of the month was every thing which could reasonably be desired. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and it was, (with a few excep- tions) a month of delightful weather, in which vegetation came forward with astonishing ra- pidity, and the trees were dressed in their beau- tiful attire of green and white, and perfumed the air with their odours. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 40; it commenced and continued pleasant and mild until the 12th, when the wind took an easterly direction and set the elements all in commotion, so that on the 14th, there was one of the most severe snow storms which had occurred during the last three months. Snow fell to the depth of fifteen inches in Philadel- phia and vicinity ; and in Baltimore and Wash- ington twenty inches. The papers also stated, that the snow fell to so great a depth at the west, north and east, as to prevent the arrival of the mail from one, two and three days after it was due, at many places. After it ceased snowing, the wind backed in to north-west, and blew almost to a hurricane for several hours; it M ARCH. 55 however lulled as the sun went down, -but rose with it on the ensuing morning, but not on so high a key ; on the third day, it changed to south- east, and the clouds soon gathered their forces, and poured down rain with such violence, as very soon to put all the snow to night. From the 23d to the end of the month, the weather was almost like summer, and April was ushered in by millions of smiling faces, because it shone so smilingly on them. 1804. The medium temperature of this nKftith was 38. The weather was very variable a great part of the month. There were some very mild, and some boisterous cold days. There were a few snow storms, and some rain storms, and there were some cloudy, and some beautiful clear days, and when the month closed, some trees were in bloom and grass looked green. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 40. As usual there was a variety of weather, but the mild and pleasant prevailed a great part of the month. Considerable rain fell, and a few flakes of snow were seen occa- sionally, and there were some frosty nights. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 38. It commenced cold and windy, and there were some snow squalls. But on the 10th, the wind changed to south-west, and then to south-east, and some rain fell ; it then clear- ed with wind west, and there was about ten days of very mild and pleasant weather, which caused the trees and shrubbery to put forth 56 MARC II. beautifully ; but during the last week they ex- perienced a check by a cold north-west wind by day, and severe frost by night. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 39 ; and there was much mild and pleasant weather during the month, interspersed by some snow, and considerable rain. Vegeta- tion, however, made great progress, and the trees and shrubbery were very forward. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 37, and it commenced and contin- ued cold and windy, (with some snow and rain) for nearly two weeks, after which the weather became mild and spring-like, and so continued the remainder of the month. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 35, and a cold wintry month it was. Snow storms were frequent, but rain generally followed, and then cold north-west winds, and^ sleety and sloppy walking made up the variety, with an occasionally mild and pleasant day. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 37 ; and there was considerable snow on the earth when it commenced, and a storm in the first week added a few inches more, which made good sleighing. The weather continued cold until past the middle of the month, when a south-east and southerly rain storm made all the snow run into the great ocean ; the wind changed to south-west, and the spring now com- menced beautifully, and every thing did spring to admiration, as though it meant to redeem much lost time. By the 1st of April, many MARCH. 57 early fruit trees were in blossom. During a violent gale on the 3d, the great Elm tree at Kensington, under which William Penn made his treaty with the Indians in 1682, was blown down. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 40. With the exception of a few squally, cold days, and two rain storms, the weather was rnild and very pleasant, and vege- tation came forward with rapidity. It was said, that winter grain scarcely ever looked more pro- mising, A tremendous gale on the coast of Ire- land destroyed a great number of vessels, and many lives were lost on the 3lst of this month. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 37, and there was considerable cold, windy weather, but much more that was mild, spring-like and very pleasant. There were some storms, with a mixture of snow and rain, but, after they had ceased, old Sol shone out warm and made the sap rise in the trees and put forth buds, blossoms and leaves, and at the close of the month early vegetation looked pro- mising. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 39, and it produced a great variety of weather, viz. a little snow, more rain, some wind, some calm, some cold, some warm, and a good deal of mild, pleasant weather. On the whole, the month passed off very agreeably in this vicinity, and we hope it did elsewhere. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 38, and it opened very mild and 58 MARC H. pleasant, but the second week brought a cold north-west wind, which continued for several days, and then changed to south-west, when the weather became mild and very pleasant for seven or eight days, when it rained copiously, arid cleared beautifully, and it continued mild and pleasant until the month closed. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 38. Cold weather continued until the middle of the month, when the winter broke and it became uncommonly mild and pleasant, and vegetation came forward with surprising rapidity. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and there was a great deal of cold, windy, boisterous, and stormy weather, until past the middle of the month ; but, not- withstanding the month came in like a lion, and continued very ferocious for more than two weeks, yet it went out as mild and gentle as a lamb. A great fresh in the Ohio and Kentucky rivers caused a rise of more than fifty feet, and produced great destruction of property. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 40. It commenced cold, but after the first week, the winter broke, and the wea- ther became rnild and pleasant, and (with the exception of a few days) continued so until the month closed. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 37. The month commenced and continued cold and windy until the 10th, when the winter broke. Some rain fell, with a little MARCH. 59 flirt of snow ; after which, mild and pleasant weather, (with occasional showers) continued through the remainder of the month. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 39. It commenced mild and plea- sant, (and with the exception of one short east- erly rain storm, a few occasional showers ; arid one snow squall, accompanied by a fierce north- wester) the month pased off pleasant. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 38. It was mild and pleasant until the 8th, when a re-action took place, and a whole week of cold, cloudy, windy, squally, and frosty weather followed. The wind then changed to west and south-west, and the wea- ther became mild and pleasant, and (with the exception of a few days) it continued so until the month closed. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 37 ; and the weather was very va- riable through the whole month. It snowed, it hailed, and it rained more than once or twice ; and a north-west wind whistled on a high key. At last, the weather became as mild and gentle as a lamb, and the month closed very lamb-like. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 36. It commenced cold, but plea- sant previous to the 20th, there was all sorts of weather, very similar to the corresponding month of last year. The last ten days were mild, but wet, and every thing around pro- claimed that it was spring. 60 MARCH. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and although snow frequently feathered the atmosphere, none remained long upon the earth, as rain generally followed, and a pleasant week ensued. So the month com- menced, and so it ended. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 39. It was mild and very plea- sant during the first week. The subsequent ten days were windy, cold and squally. The wind then changed to south-east, and rain fell copiously, after which it cleared, and the wea- ther during the remainder of the month was mild and really spring-like, and vegetation pro- gressed finely. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and with the exception of a bracing north-wester for several days, it was a month of spring-like weather, and vegetation came forward rapidly. Four and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 38. It commenced warm, but dur- ing the second week a cold north-west wind prevailed, to the discomfiture of many. It did not, however, retain its strength long, as it lulled into a calm, and a delightful mild spell followed, until the wind changed to south-east, and some rain fell. A warm south wind and pleasant weather closed the month. Nine and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and a cold boisterous month it MARC H. 61 was. Snow fell several times, after which it cleared with a brisk north-west wind. The 21st, however, brought mild spring-like wea- ther, which continued until the month closed. One and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 42. After the first week, which was very frosty, and destroyed most of the ap- ricot and peach buds and blossoms, which put forth so plentifully the last week in February, the weather became uncommonly warm, and (with the exception of a few days of rain, &,c.,) it continued so the remainder of the month. Four inches of rain fell during the month. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 38, and there were all kinds of wea- ther for nearly three weeks. Some cold, some mild, and some rain, with a little snow. Then a brisk north-wester cleared all off, and the at- mosphere became clear, mild and pleasant, and thus closed the month. Three inches of rain fell during the month. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 40. The weather was very un- steady. It was cold and windy, mild and rainy, and sometimes uncommonly warm. During one week there were some very frosty nights. But on the whole, a majority of the weather was very mild and pleasant. Four and a quar- ter inches of rain fell during the month. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 39. The weather was quite cold 6* 62 MARCH. until the 6th, after which there were two weeks of very mild and pleasant weather, when some rain fell, and it cleared with a strong north- west wind, which spent itself in three days. The remainder of the month was remarkably mild and pleasant. Three inches of rain fell during the month. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 34. The mercury sunk to zero on the 4th, in this city. In Baltimore and Wash- ington, it was 4 below. At the north and east, it was several degrees colder. The winter did not break until the 15th. There was scarcely a night in the whole month that it did not freeze hard. There was an abundance of snow, rain and sleet. There was floating ice in the Delaware during the whole month. Indeed, it was the coldest month of March we have on our journal, except three, which were the same. The few mild days during the month were greeted with uncommon pleasure. Two inches of rain fell during the month. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 39. It commenced spring-like, both mild and pleasant. But the 10th very abruptly introduced a cold boisterous week, that was welcomed by no one ; but its depar- ture on the 18th was cheered by thousands. The weather now became mild and pleasant, and so continued until the month closed, with the interruption of a few very seasonable show- ers. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1834. The medium temperature of this MARCH. 63 month was 38. The weather was variable during the whole month. There were some squally and some calm days ; also some cold and some warm, some wet and some dry, some cloudy and some clear days. In this way it seemed to take turn-about, until the month came to itsjims. Two inches of rain fell dur- ing the month. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 39. It commenced mild, and so continued for a week, when the mildness of the lamb was disturbed by the roar of the lion, (as Mr. North-wester is called.) For two or three days he made sad work with window-shutters, store-signs, and a variety of other articles. After he took his departure, there was some cheering spring-like weather during the residue of the month. Four inches of rain fell during the month. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 35. With the exception of a few days, the weather continued cold to the 28th of the month. It commenced with snow, hail, rain and sleet, and there were in the course of the month, enough snowy, rainy, sleety days, to satisfy any reasonable person. The wind, for the first time during the month, changed to south, and then to the south-west on the 29th, and produced a warm atmosphere, and the nights of the 29th, 30th, and 31st, were the only ones that did not produce ice. On ten mornings the mercury ranged from 15 to 25. One and three quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 64 MARCH. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 39. It commenced with a snow- storm, which continued moderately for three days, and had not a great part of the snow melted, there would probably have been twelve inches. On the afternoon of the 3d, the wind changed from north-east to north-west, and it cleared intensely cold, so that on the morning of the 4th, the mercury was only 5 degrees above zero, and it did not rise above 22 the whole day. On the morning of the 5th, it was 20, and on the 6th it was 22, which is 10 be- low the freezing point. On the 7th the wea- ther moderated, and it was alternately cold and mild until the 18th, when the wind southed, and the weather became spring-like, and vege- tation came forward rapidly. Some rain fell on the 13th, 18th, 23d, and 27th. Three and three quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 41. It was clear and cold until the 5th the mercury ranging from 18 to 21. On the 5th and 8th, it snowed and rained. After this, the weather became mild, and so continued during the remainder of the month, with the exception of a few days. Three and three quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1839. The medium temperature of this month w r as 41. Notwithstanding the weather during the first week, partook very much of the nature of the lion, yet the subsequent part of the month assumed very much the disposition MARCH. 65 of the lamb. The quantity of rain which fell during the month was one and a half inches. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 44. It commenced uncommonly warm ; the mercury ranged at sunrise, (during the first seven days,) from 38 to 53; and dur- ing mid-day, from 56 to 70. But on the night of the 7th, the wind changed from south to north-west, and the cold increased so rapidly during the night, that on the morning of the 8th, it had sunk to 22, which is 10 below the freezing point. It continued cold until the 1 5th, when a little snow and rain fell after which it became mild, and (with the exception of a few days,) it continued so until the month closed. About three inches of snow fell during the month, and two and a half inches of rain. There were many frosty nights. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and six inches of rain fell, and about ten inches of snow. On the 17th the sleighs ran in multitudes, both in and out of the city. But the rain of the 18th spoiled all the sleighing for this season. The mercury varied during the month, from 20 to 70. There was much boisterous weather, which did a great deal of damage to vessels on the coast and in harbours. On the 3d of the month, between ten and eleven o'clock in the evening, there were two rings round the moon, which reflect- ed all the beautiful colours of the rainbow. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 47. A little snow fell on three 66 MARCH. days ; not one inch in all and a little rain on thirteen days, the whole measuring but three inches. The weather was very variable ; the mercury ranging from 24 to 73. There was thunder and lightning on the 15th and 18th. On the 23d, while the apricot and peach trees were in blossom in the country, a cool rain de- scended, which covered the trees with icicles. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was only 30, and snow fell on five days, measuring in the whole about fifteen inches, and four inches of rain fell. The snow-storm of the 16th was the most severe and violent that had occurred for many long years, in the month of March; during this storm, twelve inches of snow fell in Philadelphia, and blew into banks from four to five feet high in many of the streets. It was the coldest March month we have, or can find on record. On fourteen mornings the mercury ranged from 13 to 20 above zero ; and there were only three morn- ings during the month that the mercury was above the freezing point. From the 1st of Feb- ruary to the 8th of April, the weather was steady cold. The New York papers said, that during the violent storm of the 16th, snow fell in that city to the depth of two feet, and blew into banks six feet high ; that the country roads were so banked up, that no mails arrived from the north and east for two or three days. We received similar accounts from Baltimore and Washington. Also, from the west, the north, and the east as far as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Vessels on the coast MARCH. 67 and in harbours, received great damage, and there were several shipwrecks, and great loss of property and lives. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 42, and four and a half inches of rain fell ; but not a half inch of snow fell in Philadelphia. From the 1st to the 18th, the weather was tolerably mild, with the exception of three days. On the 18th, there was a smart snow-squall, after which it was quite cool for a week. The remainder of the month was very pleasant. The New England papers said, the past winter was the most severe for many years. In Vermont and a part of Maine, there was five months' sleighing, from the 20th Octo- ber to 20th March. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 44; two and a half inches of rain fell, and a very little snow, which soon melted. The weather for one week was very variable, producing the temperature of the four seasons; with the above exception, the weather was mild during the month. On four days the mercury ranged from 70 to 74; and on four days from 26 to 32. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 42. Four and a half inches of rain, and about two inches of snow fell in this vi- cinity. On the mornings of the 1st and 2d, the mercury was only 15 above zero, and on the 3d and 4th, 20 above, which is 12 below the freezing point. With the exception of nine, it froze every night during the month in this city. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOB, THE MONTH OP APRIL. 11 When verdure clothes the fertile vale, And blossoms deck the spray, And fragrance breathes in every gale, How sweet the vernal day !" 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 50. Although there was much mild and pleasant weather, yet there were several frosty nights. As usual in this month, showers were frequent, and an easterly wind, with a drizzling rain and chilly atmosphere, prevailed for two or three days; but vegeta- tion progressed very well, and the trees were full of blossoms. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 54. The month commenced warm and pleasant, but chilly wet weather followed until the llth, when the wind changed from east to west, and most delightful warm grow- ing weather ensued, and continued through the remainder of the month, with occasional show- ers, so that vegetation came forward very ra- pidly. 1792. The medium temperature of this APRIL. 69 month was 52. It was rather cold until the 7th and the nights frosty, after which an agreeable change took place, and it was re- markably mild and pleasant the remainder of the month, with the exception of three days of easterly wet weather. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 46, and there was much cold, wet weather, and very frosty nights, until after the middle of the month. Vegetation was back- ward. The last two weeks, however, were warm, and vegetation took a rapid start, and at the close, the month looked promising. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 44. It commenced mild, but from the 5th to the 12th it was cold and stormy with both rain and snow, and every thing had a discouraging appearance. There was ice on several mornings. On the 13th, the wind southed, and warm, growing weather ensued, which brought forward the fruit trees and vegetation, with an almost unprecedented ra- pidity. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 50. It commenced with a warm rain, which cleared up with a warm south- west wind, and perhaps, two weeks of more rapidly growing weather was scarcely ever witnessed. During the third week, there was an easterly rain storm, which cleared with a cool north-west wind, which produced some slight frosts. The last week was very pleasant and mild, and vegetation being very forward, the agriculturalist was highly encouraged. 70 APRIL. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 48. With the exception of a few frosty nights, the weather was mild, which, with frequent showers, and mid-day hot sun- shine, vegetation thrived well, and the trees were white with blossoms, which caused all nature to appear botanical, and to perfume the air with odorous scents. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 46. It commenced mild, and so continued until the 8th, when a week of easter- ly wet chilly weather ensued, after which the wind southed, and varied from south to west for two weeks, during which the weather was warm and delightfully pleasant until the month closed. The wheat looked very promising. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 44. It commenced cold, wet and frosty ; and there was ice several mornings during the first week, after which it gradually became milder, and on the 12th, the wind changed to south-west, and the weather became very warm, which soon put a new face upon vegetation, and by the first of May, it was al- most as forward as usual, except the grass, which was very backward. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 45, and it was cool until the 7th, with the wind at north-east, and some rain fell on several days in succession. After which the wind southed, and the weather became warm, and very pleasant, and vegetation came forward very rapidly. Frequent warm showers APRIL. 71 made the grass spring finely. There was no frost after the first week in this month. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 47. It commenced with cold frosty nights, but after some snow squalls, and cloudy, wet weather, the wind southed, and the weather became very warm and pleasant, and vegetation came forward very rapidly, and by the first of May, every thing looked very promising. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It commenced gay, mild, and very pleasant and so continued with oc- casional refreshing showers, and some very warm days, through the whole month. Vege- tation was forward, and looked well. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 52. Many trees were in bloom and vegetation appeared forward, and very promising. On a few mornings there was light frost, but not sufficient to do injury. Frequent showers, and a warm sun, made the grass to grow for cattle, and herbs for man. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 54, and it commenced warm and pleasant, but there was a re-action in the sec- ond week, which produced some frosty nights, that killed the bean vines, &c. It however soon became warm again, and so continued the remainder of the month. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 50, and the weather was quite 72 APRIL. variable. Sometimes a chilly north-east wind prevailed for several days. The wind then changed to the west, and it was pleasant and warm for about a week, when some rain fell ; after which warm April weather continued un- til the month closed. Vegetation not so forward as usual. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 52. Frequent showers and warm sunshine brought vegetation forward very rap- idly. Every thing looked thriving, healthy and promising, until the third week, when the wind changed from west to north, and some frosty nights folio wed, which did much injury to delicate plants, but most of them recovered, so soon as the wind changed to south-west, and the atmosphere became warm. J806. The medium temperature of this month was 47, and there were some very frosty nights and squally days, with wind at north- west. But after the squalls passed over, the warm sun soon melted the snow, and the plants looked more beautiful than ever. On the llth, the wind changed to south-west, and spring weather set in in earnest, and made every thing else spring. There was really a joyful time with the farmers and gardeners, and they all went to work as if they were inspired with new life and animation, and their labours were abundantly blessed, as the season proved a very fruitful one. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 49. The month opened beautifully, APRIL. 73 with many trees in full bloom, and early vege- tation in considerable forwardness. About the middle of the month, there was some cool easterly weather for nearly a week, which retard- ed the progress of vegetation a little, but a warm westerly wind succeeding the easterly, soon gave a spur to vegetation again, and the month closed with some wheat-fields in head, and early potatoes and corn several inches high. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 50, and the weather was very like that of the corresponding month of last year, excepting that showers were more frequent, and there were two severe thunder-gusts. Ve- getation was very forward, and looked very en- couraging. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 46. It commenced with a cold, dry north-wester, that continued for several days, after which the wind backed out to the east, and for several days it was very chilly, damp and drizzly. About the middle of the month, the wind worked round to the south, and after a real pour down rain, it cleared with a warm westerly wind, and the remainder of the month was exceedingly pleasant. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 48. It commenced warm and plea- sant, with every thing botanical about it. Many trees were white or variegated with blossoms and leaves, and vegetation had made some progress. The month abounded with showers, 7* 74 APRIL. and there were some very frosty nights, which destroyed many apricot and peach bulbs ; but those on the under boughs or limbs were not much injured. Vegetation generally was very forward and promising. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 50; and the wind and weather were more 'fluctuating than usual. The month commenced warm and pleasant, but the wind changing to the east, produced a chilly atmos- phere, and then a rain storm, which was fol- lowed by a cool north-wester. On the 12th the wind veered to the west, and then to south- west, and the remainder of the month was warm growing weather ; the earth being kept moist by frequent showers. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 48, and the first week was cold, with the wind varying from north to east, and pro- ducing some frosty nights. The wind, how- ever, changed to south on the 8th, and warm sunshine and fertilizing showers gave such a wonderful impetus to vegetation, that its pro- gress was very perceptible from day to day. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 49 ; it commenced with a mild westerly wind, which southed on the 4th, and after some copious showers, vegetation came forward with great rapidity. It was remarked that winter grain never looked more promising than it did at the close of the month. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 48. The first week was uncom- APRIL. 75 monly mild and pleasant. Vegetation was for- ward, and the trees were white with blossoms. An easterly wind, and damp, drizzly atmos- phere prevailed during the second week. But the third week brought fine summer-like wea- ther, with southerly winds. Vegetation im- proved every day during the remainder of the month. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 52, and it opened with a warm south-west wind and vegetation looking well, and progressed finely under the influence of a warm sun and frequent showers, until the 21st. when the wind changed to the north-east, and several raw, chilly, cloudy, wet days ensued. But the 26th brought fine warm, growing weather again. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 47. It commenced mild, but did not maintain its credit; as Jack Frost came along mounted upon a cold, boisterous north- wester, and made every thing tremble and shiver before him. The blustering snow squalls which followed, would have been more suitable for January than April. After the wind lulled, ice formed on several nights, half an inch thick, which destroyed all the buds, and almost every green thing. x 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 53, and the weather was not only mild and spring-like, but a part of it was like mid-summer. Vegetation came forward with 76 APRIL. surprising rapidity, and there was every pros- pect of abundance of fruit. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 54, and the weather was very simi- lar to that of the corresponding month of last year, excepting that showers were more fre- quent, and there was considerable thunder and lightning for so early in the season. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 53. It commenced mild, with a clear atmosphere, and westerly wind. On the 5th the wind southed, and it rained moderately nearly all day. From the 6th to the 13th it was very warm, and vegetation advanced rapidly. On the 14th, an easterly breeze sprung up, and the weather was cool and damp for several days. But the wind veered round to the south and south-west, and it became warm and very plea- sant, and the winter grain began to head. Early corn, beans, peas, and garden truck, all looked very promising, but more rain was needed. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It commenced with rain, but it soon cleared with a westerly wind, both mild and pleasant. Westerly, south-westerly and southerly winds prevailed a great part of the month. Vegetation was very forward, and looked very promising. There was plenty of rain, and some thunder and lightning. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 53. The month opened delightfully pleasant and so continued until the 13th, with APRIL. 77 the occasional interruption of some copious showers. After this, the wind changed to north and then to north-east, and the atmos- phere became quite chilly, and on two or three mornings there were slight frosts. But this cool weather did not continue long. On the 19th the wind took a westerly direction, and the weather became quite warm, and so con- tinued until the month closed. Vegetation looked very promising. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 52. It commenced cool and a little squally. The snow flew in every direction, as if it was afraid to light any where. Old Sol soon made his appearance, and devoured the whole of it at one meal. The wind now changed to south-west, and the weather as- sumed a milder aspect, but it was very variable during the whole month. There were several frosty nights. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 51, arid during which there was much cold, frosty weather, and some snow squalls. After the first two weeks it became quite mild arid pleasant, and vegetation revived and came forward with great promise. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It commenced warm and plea- sant, and so continued until the 9th, afterwards there was a cool, damp, overcast atmosphere and easterly wind for several days, after which, the wind southed, and it rained powerfully for an hour or two. It then cleared quite warm, 78 APRIL. and so continued during the remainder of the month. Vegetation very forward. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 55, and it was a delightful month for showers and warm sunshine. Vegetation unusually forward, and it never looked more promising. Only one inch of rain fell during the month. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and the weather was very like that of the corresponding month of the last year, except that thunder and lightning were more frequent. Vegetation was nearly two weeks in advance of some seasons. Four inches of rain fell during the month. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 50, which was the coldest for eleven years. The heavy frosts destroyed the early garden truck ; also, most of the peach and apricot bulbs. Vegetation very backward, and farmers and gardeners quite desponding. Three inches of rain fell during the month. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and it was indeed a most de- lightful month of fine growing weather. Hot days, warm nights, and frequent showers, caused all nature to spring and flourish. Four inches of rain fell during the month. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 55, and it opened very pleasantly, and with the aid of fine showers and warm sun- shine, vegetation progressed rapidly. It how- APRIL. 79 ever met with a little check at the commence- ment of the third week, by a chilly easterly wind for a few days, which it soon recovered from, and the remainder of the month was warm and pleasant. Five inches of rain fell during the month. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It commenced cool, cloudy and chilly, with the wind east ; but on the 4th, the wind changed to the west, and afterwards to south-west and south. After a rainy day, it cleared warm, and the weather was very fine, with alternate showers until the month closed. Vegetation was very promising. Two inches of rain fell during the month. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 53. Its commencement was mild and pleasant, but after the 10th, both the wind and the weather were very changeable. There were easterly and westerly winds, and fair wea- ther and foul, warm and cool, but, after all, vegetation looked very flourishing. Five inches of rain fell during the month. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 55. The first week was cool, damp, easterly weather. The wind afterwards changed to south-west, and two weeks of mild and ra- pidly growing weather followed. The wind then changed to south-east, and after one rainy day, the wind wested, and the residue of the month was warm and pleasant, with occasional showers. Three inches of rain fell during the month. 80 APRIL. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 54. The wind and weather were very changeable. But much warm, showery, growing weather prevailed. The wind boxed the compass several times; it scarcely blew three days at a time from one direction. Only half an inch of rain fell during the month. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 53. More easterly damp, chilly weather prevailed this month than is usual for April, but she was not without her warm south- erly winds occasionally, and her fertilizing showers and hot sunshines made vegetation spring again. During the fore-part of the month there were some frosty nights. Three inches of rain fell during the month. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 56 ; and there was, during this month, much warm, splendid spring weather, which made every thing flourish. Showers were frequent, and thunder and lightning oc- casionally severe. Four and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 50. Although there were few very frosty nights and cool days during the month, yet there was also an uncommon number of very warm summer-like days. On five days, from twelve to three o'clock, the mercury ranged from 70 to 76 ; but, on six days, it only varied from 40 to 48 during mid-day, and dur- ing the night from 28 to 38. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. APRIL. 81 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 50; it commenced and continued cool until the llth, during which, there were several very frosty nights. The subsequent week was very mild. But from the 18th to the close of the month, the weather was va- riable ; the mercury ranging from 38 to 52 at sunrise, and during mid-day, from 48 to 80. A little snow fell on the 4th and 23d, and some rain fell on four days. Vegetation was very backward, and fruit buds much injured by frost. Three inches of rain fell during the month. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 47. This was the coldest month of April since 1816. There was ice on five morn- ings and frost on eleven other mornings. On the 14th and 24th a little snow fell ; and on eleven days some rain fell. On eight days only, the mercury rose above 60 at mid-day. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. From long experience, I have observed that there is about the same amount of cold, one year with another. If we do not have it in the winter months, we are sure to have the deficit made up in the course of the subsequent sea sons. The greatest difference I have ever known in the medium temperature of any year was 5 degrees ; in 1816 it was 49, and in 1825 it was 54. All the other years from 1790 to the present, were from 50 to 53. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 54, and it commenced with a cold 8 82 APRIL. northerly wind, that continued until the 4th, and produced frosty nights. On the P. M. of the 4th the wind southed, and the weather was quite like summer until the 13th; the wind then changed to north-east, and it continued cool until the 23d, when the wind changed to south-west, and the remainder of the month was very warm ; the mercury ranging at mid- day from 68 to 82. Only one and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 55|. During this month there was the temperature of winter, spring and summer. There was thin ice on four mornings, and frost on six. On nine days the mercury ranged from twelve to three o'clock from 50 to 60 ; on ten days from 63 to 70 ; on five days from 70 to 76 ; on four days from 82 to 84. Seven inches of rain fell, which is the greatest quantity in any month of April for twenty years. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 47, and the quantity of rain which fell was six and a half inches. On the 10th there was a north-east snow storm, during which about six inches of snow fell. On the 12th there was another, when from ten to twelve inches fell in this city, and much more fell in the country. Had not much of it melted, there would have been good sleighing. This snow storm extended south to Virginia ; west to Ohio ; north to Vermont ; and east through all the New England states, to the extreme part of Maine. A few inches more fell on the 13th and 14th, after which some rain followed. APRIL. 83 Some rain fell on ten days during the month. On the 2d, at mid-day, the mercury rose to 70 ; on no other day did it rise above 65 ; on eight days at sunrise, it was from 30 to 37 ; on the 12th, it did not rise, even at mid-day, above 34 ; on five days it ranged from 40 to 47 at mid-day. During the remainder of the month, the mercury varied on different days, from 50 to 60, excepting on three days it rose to 65, and on one day to 70. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 53, and the quantity of rain which fell was five and a quarter inches. It was in- deed a weeping month, for it wept sorely on sixteen days. But not a particle of snow fell in this vicinity during the month ; and there was not a particle of ice except on the morning of the first day. On seven days the mercury ranged from 70 to 80 during mid-day ; on ten days from 60 to 69 ; the remainder of the month it ranged from 44 to 59 at mid-day. At the close of the month, vegetation was in a good state of forwardness. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 50, and the quantity of rain that fell was four and three quarter inches. A little snow fell on the 4th, 5th and 9th, about two inches in all. The month commenced with a wintry atmosphere; the mercury at 31, and ice a quarter of an inch thick, and it continued cold and frosty until the 12th, when the wind changed from north to south-west, and the wea- ther became mild and spring-like, and so con- tinued during the remainder of the month On 84 APRIL. four days during the last week, the mercury ranged from 70 to 75 at mid-day. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and one and a half inches of rain fell, but not a flake of snow in this vicinity. The month commenced cold, with mercury 26 at sunrise, and ice half an inch thick, and it continued cold until the 4th, when the mercury ran up to 74 at mid -day ; on the llth, to 76 ; on the 14th, to 78 ; on the 15th, to 84 ; and on eleven other days, it was from 70 to 76 ; on five days, from 60 to 68; the remainder of the month ranged from 42 to 58 at mid-day. At the close of the month vegetation looked very flourishing. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 53, and two and a half inches of rain fell. On the 25th there was a heavy thunder shower with very vivid lightning. On the 6th and 8th, there were snow squalls. On four mornings there was frost, and one morn- ing ice. The month commenced and contin- ued mild until the 8th. From the 8th to the 13th, it was quite cool and frosty. On the 13th the wind changed from north-w r est to south, and the remainder of the month (with the exception of four days) was not only mild, but summer- like, and vegetation came forward with great rapidity. Only a few sprinkles of rain fell from the 23d of March to the 19th of April in this vicinity, when it rained moderately for ten hours. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 52J, and two inches and one-tenth APRIL. 85 of rain fell. There was a snow squall on the 13th, and on nine mornings there was slight frost. On six days the mercury w r as from 70 to 76, one day 78, and one day 80, during mid- day. A great part of the month the weather was mild and pleasant in Philadelphia and vi- cinity, particularly during mid-day. On the 24th, the mercury during mid-day, in the shade, was 80 in Boston, New York, and in Philadelphia ; in Baltimore it was 82 ; and in the city of Washington, 84. 8* RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, ran THE MOXTH OF MAY. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 56. It commenced and continued pleasant until the 7th, when the wind changed to north-east, and several days of wet, chilly weather ensued ; after which it changed to the south and south-west, and then followed ten days of warm, growing weather. Another change then took place, and the weather was very variable during the remainder of the month sometimes rainy and sometimes clear or cloudy. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 58, and much rain fell during the first two weeks. It then cleared cool with the wind at the north-west. On the 18th the wind changed to west and then to south-west, and the remainder of the month was mild and plea- sant. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 58, and it was a month of many changes and vicissitudes. After a long east- erly rain storm, some mild, pleasant weather MAY. 87 followed for two weeks ; then there was another north-east storm, during which some marine disasters occurred, and several lives were lost. The month closed very pleasant. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 62, and there were some very plea- sant May mornings from the 1st to the 10th; after which the wind took an easterly direction and produced some overcast, damp, chilly, rainy weather, which continued until the 15th, when the wind changed to west and afterwards to south-west, and a warm pleasant season en- sued, and continued until the month closed. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 61. It commenced cool, overcast, and drizzly, with wind east until the 7th, when it changed to south, and the weather continued warm and very pleasant until the 20th, when the wind changed to north-east and it rained for part of two days, and it continued overcast and cool until the 27th ; the wind then changed to west and afterwards to south, and the month ended very warm, with a thunder shower. Vege- tation was forward and very promising, and there was a prospect of abundance of fruit. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 68, and it was a remarkably warm, growing season, and just rain enough to pro- duce excellent crops of hay, and fill the market with abundance of vegetables and fruit. There was only one week of cool, easterly weather during the whole month. There were three thunder gusts, with vivid lightning. 88 M A Y. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and the first week was very pleasant, but it was followed by ten days of very cool, drizzly, rainy weather, with wind varying from north to south-east, after which the wind changed to north-west, and blew fresh and cool for two days ; it then changed to west and south, and a spell of warm summer-like weather ensued until the month closed. There was a light frost on three mornings. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and the weather was mild and pleasant until the 5th, when a cold north-east rain storm followed. On the 8th the wind southed, and the weather was very warm and pleasant until the 17th, when the wind changed to east, and a great deal of rain fell during three days, and the atmosphere remained overcast, damp, and chilly until the 23d, when the wind changed to west, and the weather was warm and pleasant during the remainder of the month. Vegetation looked very promising. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 65, and much rain fell during the months to the injury of corn and grain, but fa- vourable for grass. About the middle of the month there were several cool nights, but no frost in this vicinity to injure any thing. On the whole, vegetation looked very fair. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 68, and it commenced warm and pleasant ; vegetation was forward and very pro- mising, and met with no check during the M A Y. 89 month. Fruit trees, also, promised a great abundance. Showers were very frequent, but there was only one easterly storm during the month. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and the warmest May month we have yet on our record. There were but five days of cool, easterly winds, and two days north-west wind, all the rest were west and south-west and south. Vegetation very for- ward. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 66. It commenced with a warm south-west wind, and so continued until the 8th, when the wind changed to east, and it was rainy, drizzly, and cloudy until the llth, when ten days of warm splendid weather followed. On the 20th the wind changed to north-east, and overcast, rainy weather continued until the 25th, when the wind southed, and the residue of the month was quite warm enough, and vegetation never looked better. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 71, and it was proverbially called " The hot May /" Westerly, south-westerly, and southerly winds prevailed a great part of the month. There was only one easterly rainy day, but there were three thunder showers. Not more than half as much rain fell as usually falls in May. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 60. There was a great contrast be- tween this and the corresponding month of last 90 M A Y. year. This month commenced with a cold, north-east wind, and a thick, overcast, drizzly atmosphere. On the 5th it rained and blew violently, after which it continued cloudy and cool until the 14th, when it rained all day. On the 15th the wind changed to north-west, and on the 17th to west, and afterwards to south-west, and the weather was clear and fine until the 25th, when the wind changed to east, and it rained and drizzled for three days ; the wind then southed, and a spell of warm weather fol- lowed. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 62. It commenced mild and very pleasant with the wind at south-west, but on the 5th it changed to north-east, and a chilly, overcast, damp, drizzly atmosphere ensued, and on the 7th there was a real old-fashioned rain storm. The weather continued overcast and chilly until the 13th, when the wind changed to west, and nine days of fine summer-like weather followed, which was very reviving to all kinds of vegetation, as well as to man and beast. On the 23d, the wind changed to south- east, and rain fell powerfully for nearly two days, but on the 27th, the wind changed to the west, and it again became warm and pleasant, and so continued until the month closed. Ve- getation looked pretty well, and there was a prospect of abundance of fruit and hay. On the llth, there was a great storm at Newfound- land, and eighty vessels were lost. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 63. It commenced with a delight- ful south-west breeze, and a warm, growing at- MAY. . 91 mosphere, which continued until the 7th, when a violent thunder-gust occurred, accompanied by vivid lightning ; at the close of which the wind changed to north-west, and the atmos- phere became so cold as to produce frost, which injured bean and other tender vines. On the llth the wind changed to west, and the wea- ther became very mild. On the 15th the wind southed, and a rainy day followed. It then cleared with a westerly wind, and it was fine growing weather the remainder of the month. Vegetation and fruit looked very promising when the month closed. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 67, and it commenced under very auspicious circumstances, as all nature looked in a very healthful and flourishing condition. On the 7th the wind changed to south-east, and a very seasonable and plentiful rain fell. It soon cleared warm again, with wind at south- west, and no month of May ever produced finer weather. It was warm, with seasonable show- ers, and vegetation grew apace. Wheat, rye, indian corn, oats, and every thing looked well. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 65. The weather during this month was very variable. A great deal of wet, east- erly weather prevailed ; also, some cool north- west winds, and towards the close, ten days of very warm, growing weather. But, notwith- standing the unpropitious weather for nearly three weeks, vegetation looked tolerably well. 1808. The medium temperature of this 92 MAY. month was 68, and a month of fine weather it was, with but very few exceptions, the wind being at north-east, and east only five days dur- ing the whole month, which produced a copious and very seasonable rain ; the other rain that fell was in showers. The wind varied from west to south a great part of the month, and the mercury ranged from 1 to 85 during mid-day nearly half the month. Vegetation at the close of the month was forward and very promising. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and the first week was mild and pleasant, but the second proved quite the reverse, for a cold north-east wind commenced, with a chilly, overcast, drizzly atmosphere, and then a real pour-down rain ended the second week. After which the wind changed to the west, and varied to south-west and south, pro- ducing nearly two weeks of warm, growing weather, interspersed with refreshing showers. On the 28th, the wind changed to south-east, and a plentiful rain followed. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 58. It commenced with a north- east chilly atmosphere, which produced a rain storm. It continued cloudy, damp, and cool, until the 6th, when it cleared with a north- west wind. On the 8th, the wind changed to west, and the atmosphere gradually became warm. On the 12th, the wind southed, and it rained nearly all day ; after which it cleared very warm, and so continued until the 18th, when another easterly rain storm ensued. On the 22d the wind changed to north-west, and MAY. 93 the subsequent day to west and south-west, and the weather became warm and pleasant, and so continued until the month closed. Grass was very heavy. Corn, potatoes, oats, rye and wheat, looked tolerably fair when the month closed. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 62, and it commenced mild and pleasant, with the wind at the west. But on the 3d it changed to the south-west, and there was a smart shower. A spell of warm, plea- sant weather then followed until the 14th, when the wind changed to south-east, and brought three or four overcast and partly rainy days. The wind then changed to south-west again, and very warm, growing weather followed until the month closed. Vegetation was rather more forward than usual, and the prospect was fa- vourable for good crops. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 60. It commenced overcast and cool, with the wind at south-east, and after two or three days of drizzly, unsettled weather, the wind changed to south-west, and the weather was clear and fine until the 1 1th, when the wind changed to north-east, and a spell of rainy, chilly weather continued until the 16th, after which a brisk north-wester blew away all the damp vapour, and brought a clear warm sunshine. The wind then southed, and fine growing wea- ther continued until the 25th, when another cloudy, overcast, rainy season ensued, with an easterly wind, and thus closed the month. 9 94 MA Y. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 59 ; and it was about equally di- vided between fine warm weather, with wester- ly winds, and cool easterly winds, and chilly, overcast, rainy weather. But vegetation looked tolerably well, and there was a fair prospect of abundance of hay and grain, and vegetables of all kinds. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 62. The month commenced de- lightfully pleasant, and showers were as fre- quent as in April. From the 1st to the 20th, the wind was quite variable, from south to north, but on the 20th there was a north-east blow; which soon produced a real storm, and the rain poured down copiously. On the 23d it partly cleared, and on the 25th the wind southed, and the weather became clear and fine, and so continued the remainder of the month. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 64. This was an unusually dry month for May, although she did not forget her easterly rain storm, which, however, was com- paratively moderate. Some very refreshing showers kept vegetation in a very thriving con- dition. Grass appeared short, but corn and potatoes looked very promising, and vegetation generally very fair. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 57, and she was really a frosty jade. Her frowns were many, and her smiles few. Northerly winds, with cold frosty nights pre- MAY. 95 vailed, until every green thing was either killed or withered. A melancholy hue appeared to seal the fate of all vegetable life. Buds and small fruit froze upon the trees. On some mornings there was ice from a quarter to half an inch thick, in exposed situations. Corn was replanted two or three times, and very little ever came to perfection. Westerly and south- west winds prevailed but seven days during the whole month. There were two north-east rain storms. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 65, and it was a month of uncom- monly fine growing weather. Westerly, south- westerly and southerly winds prevailed during almost the entire month, and there were seve- ral thunder showers. It is true, that her north- east rain storm was not forgotten, and the wind was north-west for two days. Appearances were favourable for all kinds of fruit and vege- tables. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 62. It commenced warm, but cool easterly winds, and overcast, rainy weather soon succeeded, and continued until the 10th, when it cleared with a brisk north-wester; but on the 13th the wind changed to south-west, and two weeks of very warm, growing weather fol- lowed, interspersed with fertilizing showers. On the 27th the wind changed to east, and several overcast, rainy days ensued, and the month ended with rain. 1819. The medium temperature of this 96 MAY. month was 60. It commenced with a cool, east- erly wind, and a damp, overcast atmosphere, which soon produced small showers of rain. On the 5th the wind changed to north-west, and it continued coo] for several days. There were two or three frosty nights, which did some injury to bean vines and other tender plants ; but the frost was not so severe as to destroy them altogether, except in some very exposed situations. On the 9th, the wind changed to south-west, and a warm and clear atmosphere ensued, and continued until the 15th, when the wind southed, and the heavens were enshrouded with black and portentous clouds, charged with electric fluid, and terrific thunder and lightning followed, such as the month of May rarely produces. The quantity of rain which fell was small, but the wind was very boisterous. After the shower, the wind changed to north-west, and the weather was quite cool for several days, and two mornings a light frost was perceptible. On the 20th, the wind changed to south-west, and the remainder of the month was fine, warm, growing weather : at the close of which, vegetation looked pro- mising, but rain was much wanted. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 62. It produced much pleasant, growing weather, with some very seasonable rainy days. The wind was very changeable, and from the third w^eek to the close of the month, there was a good deal of cloudy, damp, easterly weather. The north-east rain storm did not occur until the 26th, after which the MAY. 97 wind southed, and the last three days were quite warm and pleasant. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 65. The month commenced with very warm, growing weather, and vegetation looked finely. On the 10th the wind changed to north- east, and three very damp, chilly days ensued, after which it rained part of two days, and then cleared with a warm westerly wind, and the weather was very fine until the 23d, when a south-easterly rain storm occupied two days ; and it continued cloudy until the morning of the 27th, when the wind changed to west, and four very warm days ensued, and thus ended the month, with a prospect of good crops of wheat, rye, oats and hay, and abundance of fruit. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and a remarkably warm month it was indeed. It was the warmest May month for twenty-two years. It seemed as though she was determined to make up for the deficiency and remissness of her sister, April. Very little rain fell, excepting in thunder showers. West- erly and southerly winds prevailed more than three quarters of the month, and on four days the mercury rose to 90 in the shade, and on fourteen days from 80 to 86, at mid-day, in the shade. Vegetation grew very rapidly during the whole month. The prospect for fruit was not very promising. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and there was a good deal of 9* 98 MAY. wet, easterly weather during the first two weeks, interspersed by some pleasant days. On the 13th, the wind changed to west, and it varied from this point to south-west and south, until the 23d, producing some very warm, growing weather. On the 24th the wind changed to north-east, and several days of overcast, damp, rainy weather ensued. On the 28th it cleared, and the month closed very pleasant. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 67, and it commenced mild and pleasant ; but the wind changed to north-east on the 5th, and a cloudy, rainy spell ensued. It cleared, however, on the 10th with a fine westerly wind, and warm, growing weather con- tinued during the remainder of the month, in- terspersed with some rainy days. Vegetation looked very promising. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 62, and there was some cool, cloudy, wet weather, interspersed with some warm, pleasant days until the 12th. From the 13th to the close of the month, the weather was warm and rather dry. Vegetation looked very pro- mising, and there was a fair prospect of pretty good crops. One and three quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 71. This was the warmest and driest May month that we have on our record, except 1802. We were deprived of our usual easterly rain storm, or even a rainy day during the month, in this vicinity. There was a MAY. 99 sprinkle of rain on four days, and the whole which fell measured only one quarter of an inch. Vegetation was very much parched, and every thing looked in a dying condition. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 62 ; and although not so warm as usual, there was much mild, pleasant weather. The north-east rain storm was longer and more violent than usual, and a cool north-west wind succeeded for several days, but we heard of no frost to injure vegetation, which looked very promising; and there was a fair prospect of much fruit. Two and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 65. It commenced mild and plea- sant, with wind at south-west, but on the 6th it changed to north-east, and overcast, damp, chilly weather followed for several days, and then a rain storm; but on the llth it cleared with a westerly wind, and two weeks of very fine weather ensued, after which the wind changed to south-east, and a whole day of very season- able rain fell ; and fine, growing weather fol- lowed. Three and a half inches rain fell dur- ing the month. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 64. It was alternately clear and cloudy, with wind varying from east to south until the 5th, when it rained nearly all day. The wind southed on the 6th, and the wea- ther was pleasant and sometimes quite warm, until the 13th, when more rain fell, and the 100 M A Y. wind changed to north-west, and the atmos- phere was cool for several days, after which the wind changed to west, and then to south-west, and a spell of fine growing weather ensued, with some occasional showers. Two and three quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and it commenced and con- tinued pleasant for a week, when the wind changed to north-east, and a week of cloudy, drizzly, rainy, unsettled weather ensued ; after which the wind wested, and the weather be- came very fine for ten days. It then changed to east and south-east, and considerable rain fell, making three and three quarter inches during the month. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 66. The month commenced and continued pleasant until the 8th, when the wind changed to north-east, and some rain fell. On the 9th, the wind changed to north-west, and it was cool until the 12th, when the wind southed, and with the exception of 'three days, it was warm and dry during the remainder of the month. The quantity of rain which fell, was only one inch. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 62. It commenced and continued cool, and alternately clear and cloudy, until the 9th, when it rained. It was then clear until the 15th, when it rained again; after which it was clear until the 19th, when it rained on the 19th and 20th. The remainder of the month MAY. 101 was alternately clear, cloudy and rainy. Five and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 63. It commenced and continued tolerably clear, and on some days it was quite clear, until the llth, when the wind changed to south-east, and it was cloudy, misty and rainy until the 17th. Three days of fair wea- ther then followed. On the 20th it commenced raining again, and it was alternately rainy, misty, cloudy and clear, the remainder of the month. Six inches of rain fell during the month. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 64. It commenced cool, with wind varying from north to north-east. On the 5th it rained all day, and the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, were partly rainy. From the 10th to the 26th, the weather was clear, with a very fine grow- ing atmosphere. From the 26th to the close of the month, it was hazy, overcast, drizzly and unpleasant. Four and a half inches of rain fell during the month. Vegetation was tolerably fair. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 64. It commenced cool and cloudy, with wind east, and it was alternately cloudy and clear until the 8th, when it rained. The wind continued from north to east until the 14th, when it rained all day. From the 14th to the 21st it was pleasant and warm. On the 21st there was a thunder shower, after which 102 M A Y. it cleared pleasant, and so continued the resi- due of the month. Two inches of rain fell during the month. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 63. The first week was warm, clear and pleasant. On the 7th some rain fell ; it was then clear until the 17th, when there was a shower. On the 14th there was a slight frost. It was clear again until the 21st, when there was a thunder shower. It was again clear until the 28th ; from this time to the end of the month, it was cloudy, misty, and rainy. Vegetation was forward and looked very flour- ishing. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 61. It commenced cool, with the wind at north-west. On the morning of the 2d there was a slight frost. On the 3d the wind southed, and the mercury ran up to 74 ; in the evening there was a thunder shower. After which it was warm and pleasant, until the evening of the 9th, when there was a severe thunder shower. It was afterwards clear and warm until the evening of the 15th, when the wind changed to east, and it rained all night and the subsequent day. On the 18th, there was another thunder shower, and also, on the 22d; on the 24th and 25th there were more thunder showers. The residue of the month was clear and pleasant. Five inches of rain fell during the month. 1838. The medium temperature of this M A Y. 103 month was 58. It commenced quite cool, with slight frost on the morning of the 1st. On the 2d the wind changed to east, and it rained more or less on each day until the 10th, when it cleared cool, with the wind at north-west, and it continued clear until the 17th, when a little rain fell. Some rain also fell on the 18th, after which, four clear days followed. It rained a little on the 22d, -23d, 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, in drizzly showers. The 30th and 31st were clear. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. Vegetation very backward and unpromising. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 62. It commenced overcast and rainy, with wind at north-east, and in the even- ing a heavy thunder shower. In the evening of the 2d there was another thunder shower. The 3d and 4th were clear and cool. There was a slight frost on the morning of the 4th, after which the wind southed, and it was warm and pleasant until the 10th, when the wind changed to north-east, and the weather was cold, dry, and a little frosty for three days. On the 13th, the wind southed and a little rain fell. It also rained a little on the morning of the 14th. On the 15th and 16th, the mercury ran up to 82. On the 17th and 18th it rained a little. It was afterwards quite warm until the 23d, when the wind changed to east. It rained more or less from the 22d to the even- ing of the 28th, when there was a thunder shower, after which it cleared and continued cool until the month closed. Vegetation was 104 M A Y. quite forward and very flourishing. Six and three quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 61. It commenced cool and windy, with small showers on the 1st and 3d. On the mornings of the 6th and 10th, there were light frosts, but not sufficient to injure vegetation. There was a north-east rain storm on the 9th, after which it cleared cool. The wind southed on the 14th, and the weather became very warm and so continued until the 19th, when it changed to north-east, and it was cloudy, drizzly, and cool until the 26th, when the wind changed to south-west and south, and the remainder of the month was warm and pleasant. Vegetation was very forward and promising. Two and three quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 58. It commenced overcast and drizzly, and so continued until the evening of the 2d, when a little snow fell. On the morn- ing of the 3d, there was ice as thick as window glass, and there was frost on the mornings of the 4th and 5th, and it continued cool, with north- erly and easterly winds until the 17th, when the wind southed, and there was a warm day ! but, during that evening, the wind changed to north-west, and it was again cool until the 21st, when the wind changed to south-west, and the remainder of the month was warm and plea- sant, with the exception of some showers on the 25th, 28th, and 30th. Vegetation was very M A Y. 105 backward and unpromising. The repeated frosts of April and May destroyed a great part of the fruit-buds, &c. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 60. It commenced warm, with wind at south-west, and there was a thunder shower in the P. M., after which, the wind changed to north-east, and on the 2d, 3d, and 4th some rain fell. The 5th, 6th, and 7th were pleasant. On the 8th and 10th it rained. On the llth, the wind southed, and it was pleasant until the 15th, when the wind changed to north- east, and some rain fell on the 15th, 19th, 22d, 24th, 27th, 29th and 3()th. The weather was very changeable during the whole month. Six inches of rain fell during the month. Vegeta- tion was forward and looked promising. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 58. It commenced and continued cool until the 7th, when the wind southed, and the mercury ran up to 76, and in the evening there was a thunder shower. The 8th and 9th were fair. On the 10th there was a north- east rain storm, after which it was fair until the 17th, when some rain fell. During the re- mainder of the month the weather was very unsettled, and a little rain fell on the 20th, 22d, 23d, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th; the last two days were pleasant. Two inches of rain fell during the month. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 65, and it was a very warm May W 106 M A Y. month. On seven days the mercury rose to 80 and above. On the 26th, it rose to 90 at two o'clock, and in the evening there was a heavy shower. The month commenced with summer heat, and so continued until the 12th, when the wind changed to north-east, and some rain fell, and it was cooler until the 16th, when the wind southed, and there was a thunder shower in the evening. There was also a shower on the 17th two thunder showers on the 20th, one on the 26th, 27th, 30th, and 31st, but neither of them were heavy. Vegetation was forward and very promising, and there was a prospect of abundance of fruit. Nearly three inches of rain fell during the month. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 59. It commenced cloudy and mild, and there was a shower in the evening, but, before the month closed, there was almost all kinds of weather. The mercury sunk as low as 40, and rose as high as 82 on three days. Some rain fell on seven days, and hail on one day. On thirteen days the wind changed to every point of the compass ; notwithstanding all these changes occurred, yet there was much plea- sant, growing weather during the month, and vegetation and fruit looked very promising. There was only one and a half inches of rain fell during -the month. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 63. The weather was very varia- ble, and the mercury varied from 40 to 88 dur- ing the month. Some rain fell on twelve days, 3VI A Y. 107 but there was no heavy rain during the month. There was a good deal of pleasant, growing weather, and vegetation and fruit looked very promising. Three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, TOR THE MOZTTH OF JUNE. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 70, It commenced cloudy, but soon cleared pleasant, and so continued until the 5th, when the wind changed to north-east, and several rainy, misty, cool days ensued. On the 12th the wind wested, and warm, showery, growing weather continued until the 22d, when the wind changed to east, and alternate rainy, cloudy, and clear weather filled up the remain- der of the month. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 74, during which, westerly winds prevailed more than half the time. It com- menced warm, and there were showers on the 3d, 6th, 7th, and 10th. On the 12th the wind changed to north-east, and for several days it was overcast, drizzly, and cool. On the 16th it rained a great part of the day. On the 17th the wind changed to south-west, and growing weather, interspersed with thunder showers, continued until the 27th, when the wind changed to east and south-east, and overcast, wet weather closed the month. JUNE. 109 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 72. The first week was warm and pleasant, including two seasonable showers. The next -ten days were variable ; the wind alternating from north .to east, to south-east and south, and the weather was cloudy, over- cast, misty, rainy and clear. On the 18th the wind wested, and the atmosphere was clear and fine until the 25th, when there was a heavy thunder shower, and it cleared with a cool, north-west wind. On the 29th the wind west- ed, and the month closed warm and pleasant, with vegetation looking well. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 76, and it was a warm month, with frequent thunder showers and vivid lightning, which struck in many places in this vicinity. West, south-west and southerly winds prevail- ed a great part of the month. From the 23d to the 30th, the wind varied from north to south-east, and considerable rain fell. Vegeta- tion was forward and very promising. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 70. The month commenced with a cool north-west wind, which changed to west on the 3d, and on the 4th to south-west, and the weather was warm and pleasant until the 10th, when the wind changed to east, and produced several cool, overcast, drizzly, wet days. On the 15th the wind changed to south-west, and fine warm, growing weather followed until the 25th, when the wind changed to north-east, and the last five days in the month were overcast, and sometimes very rainy. 10* 110 JUNE. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and the weather was very va- riable. It commenced warm and pleasant, but on the 6th a cool east wind blew up a wet, rainy, overcast spell, which continued till the llth, when the wind wested, and the weather was very fine until the 19th, when an easterly wet spell ensued, and the weather was very un- settled during the remainder of the month. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 72. It commenced with the wind south, and the weather sultry ; but, after a thunder shower in the evening of the 4th, the wind changed to north-west, and it was cool until the 8th, when the wind wested, and the weather was much warmer. On the llth the wind southed, and it was very warm for seve- ral days, but a thunder shower cooled the air, and the wind changed to north-east, which pro- duced cool, cloudy, drizzly weather, until the 21st, when the wind changed to south-west, and it became very warm and pleasant and so con- tinued, with occasional showers, until the month closed. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 73, during which there was much pleasant weather, with occasional thunder showers until the 20th, when the wind changed to north-east, and a clamp, drizzly, atmosphere ensued until the 25th, when it rained power- fully, and cleared cool with the wind at north- west. On the 28th the wind southed, and the month ended warm. JUNE. Ill 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 74. Part of the month was exces- sively warm. The mercury rose several times to 90 and above at mid-day in the shade. It was seven times from 85 to 89, ten days from 80 to 84. Frequent thunder showers kept the earth well saturated, and vegetation progressed with astonishing rapidity. On the 22d the wind changed to the east, and it rained a part of two days, after which the wind wested, and the month closed very warm. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 71. The month commenced with the wind east, and the atmosphere was cool, damp and drizzly, until the 4th, when the wind southed, and the weather was very fine for ve- getation until the 16th; there being frequent showers. On the evening of the 16th, the wind changed to north-east, and the atmosphere be- came cool and damp. On the 17th and part of the 18th, it rained powerfully; after which it cleared, with the wind at north-west, and two or three cool days ensued. On the 22d the wind changed to west, and on the 24th to south- west, and the last week in the month w r as fine, growing weather. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 72. It commenced with a warm westerly wind and pure atmosphere, and vege- tation arid fruit very forward and looked finely. On the 10th, it rained copiously, with the wind at south-east. On the 12th, the wind changed to west, and afterwards to south-west, and some very warm days ensued, with some heavy 112 JUNE. showers, accompanied by thunder and light- ning. On the 24th the wind changed to east, and two or three damp, rainy days followed, when the wind again wested, and the remain- der of the month was very pleasant. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and it was not quite so warm as some of its predecessors. It was rather more tainted with an easterly atmosphere. Two easterly rain storms occurred during the month, and some drizzly weather, but there were, not- withstanding, quite two weeks of fine westerly winds, and warm, growing weather, and the month closed remarkably pleasant, with abund- ance* 1 of early fruit and vegetables. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 73. After one of the warmest May months experienced for many years, this month commenced and continued very warm until the 16th. The earth, however, was frequently re- freshed with very seasonable showers. But on the 17th, a great re-action took place, by the wind changing to north-east, and the weather becoming very chilly, damp and rainy, for sev- eral days. After which another more agreeable re-action took place, by the wind taking a west- erly direction, which produced some as fine summer weather as was ever experienced, and with which the month closed. 1803. The medium temperature of this month w r as 69. It was a cool, wet month. Easterly winds prevailed, and much rain fell. It was bad for both grain and hay harvest. JUNE. 113 There were, however, some fair days, which were improved to the utmost, and some hay and grain were well got in. We cannot say much in praise of vegetation, thus far. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 67. This month was still cooler than the corresponding month of last year ; and there were two easterly rain storms, besides smaller rains. There was very little good hay and grain harvest weather. Vegetation appear- ed to suffer for want of warmer weather. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 71. It commenced warm, and ve- getation was in a very thriving condition. Both grain and grass looked very luxuriant, and gar- den vegetables and strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, &c., were very abundant. There was no violent easterly storm, but small rains were abundant, and thunder showers were fre- quent and seasonable, and during a part of the month it was very hot. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and the wind inclined very much to the eastward, which produced much wet weather; but the wind occasionally changed to south-west and south, and produced some very warm days. Grass was very luxuriant, but grain was a good deal lodged. Indian corn evidently needed more warm weather. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and there was a full average of pleasant weather. The month commenced and continued warm and pleasant until the 9th, 114 JUNE. when a whole week of easterly damp weather ensued, with some copious rains. On the 17th, the wind wested, and some warm, growing weather followed, until the 25th, when the wind changed to north-east, and it rained part of two days. The 28th brought fine harvest weather, and with this, the month closed. On the whole, vegetation looked well, and the fruit trees pro- mised an abundance. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and it produced several thunder showers, with very vivid lightning, that struck in many places, consuming barns, &c. From the 19th to the 23d, the wind was north-east, and it rained part of two days, after which the wind southed, and the remainder of the month was very warm ; the mercury rose to 90, on three days. Vegetation was very forward and luxuriant, and fruit looked very promising. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 73, and it was indeed a month of fine, growing weather. Thunder, lightning, rain and hot sunshine, made every thing grow apace. Vegetation looked finely, and fruit very inviting, at the close of the month. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and more rain than usual fell. Easterly winds prevailed more than half the month ; there were, however, alternately, some very warm westerly winds, and very growing weather. At the close of the month, vegeta- tion looked very fair, and the prospect of fruit was tolerably good. JUNE. 115 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 72. It commenced with a warm south-west wind, and pleasant weather, which continued for nearly two weeks, with occasion- al showers. On the 12th, the wind changed to north-east, which produced chilly, damp and rainy weather, until the 17th, when the wind wested, and fine, warm, growing weather en- sued until the 25th, when an easterly rain storm occupied two days, after which, fine pleasant weather closed the month, with vege- tation in a very flourishing condition. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 70, during which, the usual variety of June weather was experienced. Two east- erly rain storms occurred and several showers ; there were also, several very warm days, and many that were pleasantly mild, and a few that were cool. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 69, and it furnished more than her usual quota of easterly, wet weather, and some quite cool nights. But she also furnished some very warm cheering weather, yet the weather was not so pleasant as we are accustomed to look for in a summer month. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 71. It commenced and continued warm and very pleasant until the 7th, when a re-action took place, and a whole week of east- erly, wet weather ensued ; after which it clear- ed, with a north-west wind, that soon dispersed all the damp vapours, and brought a cool and 116 JUNE. clear atmosphere. On the 17th the wind changed to south-west, and for several days the weather was quite warm enough ; the mercury ranged from 86 to 90 during five days, and af- ter a heavy thunder shower, the wind changed to north-west, and it was cool until the 25th, when the wind southed, and it was very warm the remainder of the month. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 73, and a more uniformly pleasant summer month has not occurred for several years. There were several pretty severe thun- der showers ; and on the 22d and 23d consi- derable rain fell, but it soon cleared moderately warm, and fine growing weather ensued until the month closed. Vegetation looked very flourishing. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was only 64, arid it was the coldest month of June we ever remember ; there were not only severe frosts on several mornings, but on one morning there was said to be ice. Every green herb was killed, and vegetables of every description very much injured. All kinds of fruit had been previously destroyed, as not a month had passed without producing ice. From six to ten inches of snow fell in various parts of Vermont ; three inches in the interior of New York ; and several inches in the interior of New Hampshire and Maine. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and there was much very warm, sultry weather, and frequent thunder gusts, JUNE. 117 with very vivid lightning. On five days the mercury rose to 90 and above ; on ten days from 86 to 89 ; and on ten days from 80 to 85. It was a fine month for harvesting grain and hay, as not so much rain fell as usual, and dry westerly winds prevailed a great part of the month. Vegetation was very promising, and fruit of every description very abundant. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and the weather during the month was very like the corresponding month of last year, except that more rain fell, and the crops of grass and grain were much heavier. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 72. It commenced and continued warm and dry until the 9th, when the wind changed to east, and a little rain followed. The wind then wested, and the weather was very fine until the 20th, when another damp, drizzly spell ensued. On the 25th, the wind southed, and the weather w r as warm and dry the residue of the month. 1820. The medium "temperature of this month was 73, and it commenced and con- tinued warm until the 7th, when the wind changed to south-east, and considerable rain fell, after which the wind changed to south- west, and a spell of warm, growing weather ensued, with occasional showers, until the 18th, when the wind changed to north-east, and after- wards to east, and it rained part of two days and then cleared warm, and so continued until the 29th, when the wind changed to east, and 11 118 JUNE. overcast, drizzly weather followed for two or three days. Vegetation was forward and very promising. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 72. This was a wet month. Much damp easterly weather prevailed. But the wind changed to west and south-west frequent- ly, and produced some very hot days. The wind however did not remain long at the west, but after four or live days it easted again, and a rainy spell followed. In this way, the wind and weather kept changing during the whole month, so that farmers had a very sorry time with their harvesting. The grass and grain were very heavy. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 75 ; during which, there was much very hot and dry weather ; and had there not been some very seasonable thunder showers, vegetation would have suffered exceedingly, and crops been very short. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 71. It commenced warm and very pleasant. On the 5th, the wind changed to north-east, and it was rainy and misty for seve- ral days. On the 10th, the wind changed to west and south-west, and a week of fine, grow- ing weather ensued ; but on the 18th, the wind again changed to the east, and another spell of easterly wet weather followed, until the 23d, when the wind wested, and the remainder of the month was delightful weather for harvest- ing grain and hay. JUNE. 119 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 73. It commenced and continued pleasant for ten days, with the exception of a few showers, which were very seasonable. The w r ind then changed to east, and a damp, rainy season followed, until the 15th, when it cleared with a fine westerly wind, and continued warm and pleasant during the residue of the month, with the exception of some very seasonable showers. During the last two weeks, the farmers had fine weather for harvesting their grain and hay, which were very abundant. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 75. It commenced overcast, and a little rain fell, when it cleared warm and plea- sant, with the wind at south-west. On the evening of the 5th, the wind changed to north- east, and a rain storm followed, which con- tinued during the night and succeeding day. On the 7th, the wind changed to south-west, and a very warm spell of weather ensued until the 23d. During which, the mercury rose to 90 and above, on ten days. Three of those days it rose to 96 at mid-day. On the 23d, the wind changed to north-east, and the weather was cool the remainder of the month. Some rain fell on the 1st, 4th, 6th, 18th, 23d, 25th and 27th. The quantity which fell during the month was three and a half inches. to 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 73. The first four days were in- tensely warm, the mercury ranging as high as 90 and above. On the 5th, the wind changed to east, and some rain fell. On the 6th, it was 120 J U N E. so cool, that the mercury at sunrise was only 59, and it did not rise higher than 75 at mid- day. On the 7th, the wind changed to south- west, and a week of very warm, growing wea- ther ensued. On the 14th. the wind changed to north-east, and a spell of cloudy, drizzly weather followed. On the 18th and 19th, some rain fell. On the 25th, there was a very heavy thunder gust. On the whole there was a fair proportion of warm, pleasant weather, for a June month, notwithstanding more or less rain fell on the 3d, 4th, 5th, 18th, 19th, and every day from the 22d to the 27th, and again on the 29th ; and during the whole month, there fell nearly four and three quarter inches. The poor farmers had a poor time for harvesting their grain and hay. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 71 ; and two inches of rain fell. The month commenced cool, and so continued, with the wind varying from north-west to north- east, until the ] 2th, and the atmosphere alter- nately clear and cloudy. On the 13th, the wind changed to south-west, and it was warmer until the 18th, when the wind changed to north- west, arid it was quite cool until the 20th, after which the wind southed, and two da^sof very warm weather ensued. The wind again chan- ged to north-west on the 23d, and from this time until the month closed, it varied daily from north to south-west, without producing a very warm day. There was not a heavy rain during the month, but a little fell on the 3d, 14th, 21st, 22d, 25th, and 26th, making only two inches JUNE. 121 in the whole. Vegetation looked only tolera- ble. 1828. The medium or average temperature of this month was 77, and it was a very warm month ; and although some rain fell on seven days, yet the whole which fell amounted to only two and three quarter inches. The mer- cury rose to 90 on seven days. Vegetation looked very flourishing, and there were good crops of grain and hay. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 73. The first five days were very pleasant. On the 6th, the wind changed to north-east, and some rain fell on the 6th, 7th, and 8th, also on the 17th, 23d, and 27th, amount- ing in all, to three and a half inches. There was no intensely warm weather during the month. Only once the mercury rose to 90 at mid-day, but during the corresponding month of last year, it rose to 90 and above, on seven days. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 72 ; and there was much overcast, damp, rainy weather during the month ; more or less rain fell on thirteen days ; amounting in all, to six inches. The mercury rose to 90 only on one day. Grass was heavy, but corn and grain very backward, having suffered much from the unusual quantity of wet weather, and the absence of a warm sun. On eighteen even- ings and mornings, it was quite cool for June. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 77, and the month was uniformly 11* 122 JUNE. warm. On ten mid-days, the mercury ranged from 88 to 94. On four of these days it was 90 and above. On one day only, was it below 80 at mid-day. Some rain fell on eight days, making in all, three and a half inches. Vege- tation looked pretty well considering the great drought in May. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 71, and it was rather a cool month. Northerly dry winds prevailed. Only one inch and a half of rain fell during the month. At the close of the month vegetation was suffering for rain, as scarcely enough had fallen to lay the dust since the 16th instant. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 65. This was the coldest June month that we have on record, except June 1816. On seven days it did not rise as high as 70 at mid-day. On ten days only it rose to summer heat, (76,) and on four of those days the mercury rose to 80. Indian corn suffered from the cool weather. On seven days some rain fell, making in all, five and a quarter inches. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 69, during which, northerly and easterly winds generally prevailed. Some rain fell on eleven days, making four inches. There were only two very hot days during the month. Vegetation suffered for more warm weather. Neither vegetation or fruit looked very pro- mising. 1835. The medium temperature of this JUNE. 123 month was 71. With the exception of the 5th, (which was overcast, and some rain fell,) the first twelve days were warm and pleasant. On the 13th, 14th and 15th, more rain fell. From the 15th to the 25th, it was fair and pleasant. Rain fell on the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th. The whole that fell during the month was six and a quarter inches. The 29th and 30th were fair. It was rather a wet month for harvesting grain i , n to and hay. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 67 ; and it was a cool, wet month. It rained more or less on eleven days, and seven inches and a quarter fell during the month. There was some pleasant weather from the 7th to the 19th, and from the 26th to the close of the month. Vegetation was tolerably fair. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 69. There was not any very warm weather during the month. One day only it rose as high as 88. Some rain fell on eleven days, principally in small quantities ; making in all, about three* inches. Vegetation and fruit looked promising. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 75, and there was some very warm weather during the month. On eight days the mercury rose to 90 and above; and on eight days from 86 to 89. Nineteen days were fair; on ten days some rain fell, and one day was overcast. The quantity of rain which fell dur- ing the month was six and a half inches. Vege- tation improved very much during this month. 124 JUNE. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 6 ^. On eleven mornings the mer- cury varied from 50 to 58, and during mid-day from to 68. On one day it rose to 85, and one day to 89. Some rain fell on fourteen days, making in all about four inches. There were nine entirely clear days during the month. The others were either rainy, overcast or cloudy. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 69. During twelve days of this month the mercury did not rise to summer- heat (76.) The remainder of the month was pleasant summer weather. Some rain fell on nine days ; the whole making six inches. Ve- getation looked tolerably fair. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 73 ; and there was a fair proportion of warm, pleasant weather. On six days the mercury rose to 90 and above ; and on fourteen days it was from 80 to 88. On nine days some rain fell, principally in showers, measuring in all three and a quarter inches. Vegetation was tolerably fair. The frosts of the previous month not only injured vegetation, but destroyed most of the fruit buds; so that all kinds of fruit was very scarce. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 68. This month fell far short of her usual proportion of warm, growing wea- ther. On two mornings at sunrise, the mer- cury was as low as 45. There was frost in the country on three mornings, and on one day only JUNE. 125 did the mercury rise as high as 86. There were but ten entirely clear days. The remainder were either cloudy, overcast or rainy. On fourteen days, more or less rain fell, making in all three and a quarter inches. Vegetation looked tole- rably well, considering the weather was so un- propitious. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and the weather was very va- riable from the commencement to the close. It commenced with the mercury down to 4 4. In the interior of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and in all the New England states, on the mornings of the 1st and 2d of the month there was frost ; and in some places there was ice as thick as window-glass, which destroyed tender plants and did great damage. There was a snow squall in this city on the P. M. of the 1st. On the 4th the weather moderated ; on the 5th the mercury ran up to 83 ; the 6th and 7th were quite cool ; the 9th and 10th very warm; the llth, 12th and 13th very cool, the mercury ranging from 60 to 70. With the ex- ception of two days, there was pleasant summer weather from the 14th to the close of the month. On eight days a very little rain fell, making in all, one and three quarter inches. Vegetation was only tolerably fair. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and it produced bpth cool and very warm weather. One day the mercury rose only to 68, and three days only to 70, dur- ing mid-day. On four days it rose to 9 J and a little above ; and on twelve days it varied from 126 J U N E. 80 to 88. On nine days some rain fell in show- ers, making, in the whole, three and a quarter inches. There were fifteen entirely clear days. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and a great part of the month was very fine summer weather. One day the mercury rose to 94 ; on seven days from 86 to 88 ; on nine days from 80 to 84 ; on twelve days from 70 to 76 ; and on the last day of the month it rose to 66 only, at mid-day. On ele- ven days some rain fell, principally in showers, making in all three and three-quarter inches. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 69, and there w r as much cool, driz- zly, rainy, and unpleasant weather. More or less rain fell on fourteen days, making the total of four and a half inches. There were only ten en- tirely clear days during the month. The others were either rainy, cloudy, or overcast, during the whole or a part of the day. Vegetation and fruit looked very promising. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE MONTH OF JULY. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 78, and a large portion of the month was very warm. There were several severe thunder storms, and one north-east rain storm. Westerly and southerly winds prevailed. The mercury rose to 90 and above on seven days. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 80. It commenced and continued very warm until the 13th. During those two weeks, there were three very heavy thunder showers. On the 14th and 15th the wind blew cool from the east, but it soon changed again to the south-west, and it continued in this di- rection almost every day during the remainder of the month. There were several very foggy mornings between the 20th and 30th, and very hot days followed, with showers in the evening occasionally. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 77, during which, there was much fine, growing weather, which was good for har- vesting. Fruit and vegetables were abundant, 128 JULY, and crops very fine. There were several very seasonable showers, but the earth was dry not- withstanding, and Indian corn and late potatoes suffered much for a good soaking rain. On the 16th there was a destructive hurricane in New York, small vessels and boats were upset, and sixteen to twenty persons were drowned. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 81, and there was a great deal of excessively hot and dry weather. All the rain that fell was during some violent thunder gusts. The mercury was from 90 to 96 in the shade on ten days, and from 84 to 89 on fifteen days. Vegetation suffered very much for rain. There was a great mortality among the flies. 1794. The medium temperature of this month w r as 73, and it was a cool, wet month ; easterly winds prevailed about half the month. There were, however, some w r arm, pleasant days, and it w r ould have been very strange if the month of July had passed without some warm weather. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 78, and it was indeed, a month of very fine summer weather. Showers were fre- quent. Vegetation looked flourishing, and the crops of hay and grain were very heavy. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 75. There was no intensely hot weather during this month, but good summer weather, and just rain enough. Vegetation JULY. 129 looked well. Of grain and hay, there was a full medium crop. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 76. There were a few very hot, and some quite cool days during the month. During the hot days, there were two severe thunder gusts, and during the cool days, there was an easterly rain storm ; but, in the aggre- gate, it was a pleasant month, and vegetation looked very well, particularly Indian corn. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 80, during which there was much intensely hot, dry weather. On nine days the mercury was 90 and above ; and on thir- teen days from 85 to 89. There were seve- ral heavy and terrific thunder showers. Vege- tation was very flourishing. Much sickness prevailed, particularly among children. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 73 ; during-which, the weather was very variable. The wind was alternately east, west, north and south. It was cool, and it was hot ; it was wet and it was dry. Vegetation looked pretty well, and there was an abundance. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and it was a very prolific month. Vegetables and fruit were very plenty and cheap. There were several severe thunder gusts during two weeks of very warm weather. The other part of the month the weather was very changeable. 1801. The medium temperature of this 12 130 J U L Y. month was 72. This month commenced with an easterly wind, and a cool, damp atmosphere, which poured down a copious rain. On the P. M. of the 3d the wind changed to west- north-west, and the 4th, and for several suc- ceeding days, it was splendid weather. On the 8th the wind changed to south-west, and on the 9th to south, and the weather was very warm until the 17th, when the wind changed to east, and rain fell plentifully. During the remain- der of the month, the wind and weather changed several times. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and it produced much very fine growing weather. On several days the mer- cury rose to 90, and there were some powerful thunder showers. Vegetation looked well, par- ticularly Indian corn. Foggy mornings and hot days prevailed during the whole of the last week in the month. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 72. It commenced cool, overcast, damp, and drizzly, but this unpleasant weather did not continue long, as the 4th brought a splendid day, with a fine westerly breeze, and very pleasant weather continued until the 13th, when the wind changed to east, and rain pour- ed down powerfully. On the 16th the wind southed, and six days of fine harvest weather ensued, which brought the month to the even- ing of the 22d, when the wind changed to south- east, and the weather was very variable during the residue of the month. It was cloudy, drizz- ly, and fair alternately. J U L Y. 131 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 70. The month commenced with a fine westerly breeze and pure atmosphere, and the weather was clear and warm until the evening of the 7th, which produced a tremen- dous thunder shower and vivid lightning, after which it cleared cool with a fresh north-west wind. On the llth the wind southed, and a few very warm days ensued. On the ]6th the wind changed to east, and the atmosphere was cool, overcast and drizzly until the 19th, when it rained all night, and continued cloudy until the 22d, when it cleared warm with the wind south-west. The rest of the month was alter- nately foggy and clear. It was real dog-days' weather. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 73, and the weather was warm and pleasant until the 5th, which brought a damp, easterly atmosphere and some rain ; it contin- ued cloudy and rather cool until the 1 1th, when the wind changed to west, and the atmosphere became very pure, and very fine warm weather followed until the 20th, when the wind changed to south-east, and considerable rain fell between the 21st and 24th, after which the w T ind south- ed, and foggy mornings and warm days en- sued until the month closed. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 73, and the weather was very simi- lar to that of the corresponding month of last year, excepting that not so much rain fell ; therefore, there was more fair and pleasant weather. Vegetation looked very flourishing. 132 j u L Y. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and there was a great deal of very fine, pleasant weather, interspersed with very seasonable rains ; but westerly and south- erly winds prevailed chiefly. The wind changed to the eastward three times during the month, but it did not remain in that quarter long. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 75, and there was some intensely hot weather, which ran the mercury up to 90 and above on several days in succession : and there were several very severe thunder gusts with terrific lightning. Foggy mornings were more numerous than welcome. From the 20th the wind inclined very much to east and south- east, which produced some damp, drizzly wea- ther towards the close of the month. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 75. It commenced and continued very warm for two weeks, during which there were several very refreshing showers. On the 15th the wind changed to north-east, arid the O ' weather became damp, cloudy and overcast, and rain fell on the 16th and 17th, and it did not clear until the 20th, when the wind changed to west, and a week of very warm weather fol- lowed. The last few days were foggy and damp. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 72. It commenced damp and lowering, and some rain fell. On the morning of the 4th it cleared with a cool north-west wind. On the 7th the wind changed to south- JULY. 133 west, and the weather was warm and pleasant until the 17th, when the wind changed to north-east, and afterwards to east, and it rain- ed a part of two days. On the 21st the w r ind wested, and a week of warm, pleasant weather followed, when the wind changed to south-east, and the month ended in a fog. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and there was a great deal of very hot and dry weather, and had it not been for a few thunder showers, vegetation would have entirely ceased, and every green thing dried up. The drought was very severe, and continued to the 10th of August. In the eve of the 9th, an awful thunder storm occurred at Alexandria, and many places were struck by lightning, and several persons instantly killed. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 73. Its commencement was cool and damp. Some rain fell on the night of the 2d, after which it cleared with a westerly wind, and nine days of warm, pleasant weather fol- lowed. On the 12th, the wind changed to east, and brought a very seasonable rain. On the 15th the wind southed, and the weather was quite warm until the 24th, when the wind changed to south-east, and a week of damp, drizzly, foggy weather closed the month. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and it was a month of delightful summer weather, neither too warm or too cool. There were seasonable rains and w r arm sun- is* 134 J U L Y. shines, and the fruits of the earth were very flourishing and abundant. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 73. There was much dry weather during the fore part of this month, which gaVe the farmer a fine opportunity to harvest his hay, oats, &c. On the 16th the wind changed to north-east, and on the succeeding day to east, and it rained moderately for part of two days. From the 21st to the close of the month, it was delightful summer weather, and vegeta- tion looked very promising. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 74. There was much very hot and dry weather. Indian corn was very forward and very promising. On the 17th, the wind changed to south-east, and it rained moderately from one o'clock until the next morning, after which the wind changed to south-west, and some very warm weather followed. On the 26th the wind changed to east, and damp, fog- gy, drizzly weather continued until the month closed. 1816. The medium or average temperature of this month was only 68, and it was a month of melancholy forebodings, as during every pre- vious month since the year commenced, there were not only heavy frosts, but ice, so that very few vegetables came to perfection. It seemed as if the sun had lost its warm and cheering in- fluences. One frosty night was succeeded by another, and thin ice formed in many exposed situations in the country. On the morning of JULY. 135 the 5th there was ice as thick as window-glass in Pennsylvania, New York, and through New England. Indian corn was chilled and with- ered, and the grass was so much killed by re- peated frosts, that grazing cattle would scarcely eat it. Northerly winds prevailed a great part of the month ; and when the wind changed to the west, and produced a pleasant day, it was a subject of congratulation by all. Very little rain fell during the month. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 74. The weather during this month was a continuation of the splendid weather of the previous month. The farmer rejoiced at having such a pleasant season for gathering in his early harvest, which was very abundant. Fertilizing showers and warm sunshines, caused the earth to bring forth luxuriantly. Indeed, the earth and the trees were literally load- ed with every good thing. Thunder show- ers were very frequent, and a healthier season, thus far, has not been experienced for many years. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 75. It commenced, continued, and ended well. It was indeed a delightful sum- mer month. There was an abundance of every thing that was good, both of fruits and vegeta- bles. The fine refreshing showers interspersed among the very warm evenings, were very grateful to the feelings of man and beast. At the close of the month, more rain was very much needed. On five days the mercury rose to 90 and above. 136 J U L Y. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 73. It commenced hot and dry. A very heavy thunder gust on the 5th, but very little rain fell. It however cooled the atmosphere, and brought the wind to north- west for a few days. On the 8th it changed to south-west, and a week of very warm weather ensued ; after which it changed to the east, and a very little rain fell during one day, which was very much needed. On the 19th the wind southed, and it alternated from south to west repeatedly, and the residue of the month was fine summer weather, with occasional small showers. Vegetation suffered for rain. 1820. The medium or average temperature of this month was 74. The first two weeks in this month was very fine weather for farmers to finish their grain and hay harvest ; they were only interrupted by two or three thunder showers. There were heavy crops of both hay and grain. Indian corn was very forward, and looked well. There were abundance of vege- tables and fruit. On the 16th the w r ind chan- ged to the east, and several days of overcast, drizzly weather ensued. The wind then west- ed, and the remainder of the month was warm and dry. From the 25th, the mornings were very foggy. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and there \vas much very warm weather from the 1st to the 16th; the mercury frequently rose to 90, and very little rain fell. On the 17th the wind changed to south-east, and brought a very seasonable and refreshing JULY. 137 rain, which was much needed. On the 20th the wind changed to west, and several very warm days followed. On the 25th, it again changed to south-east, and some foggy, drizzly weather ensued, and continued until the month closed. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 80, and it was the hottest month since July 1798. A great drought prevailed. Very little rain had fallen since April, except- ing in showers, and those had been few and far between. Vegetation suffered for moisture ex- ceedingly. Eleven days, during the month, the mercury rose to 90 and above. Four days it rose to 97. All the rain that fell was in five thunder showers, and they were comparatively light. All kinds of crops were light, and there was scarcely any grazing for cattle. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 74. The 1st and 2d were warm and pleasant On the 3d the wind changed to east, and some rain fell during the night and subsequent morning, after which it cleared, and ten days of very w^arm weather ensued. On the 14th the wind changed to east, and two days of overcast, misty, rainy weather followed. On the 20th, the weather cleared with a warm westerly wind, which continued until the month closed, with the exception of a few seasonable and refreshing showers. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 75, and the first week was warm and dry. The second week produced some 138 JULY. very seasonable rainy weather ; after which it cleared very warm, and vegetation thrived with great rapidity. On the 19th and 23d there were heavy thunder showers, but they did not cool the atmosphere. From the 25th to the close of the month, the mornings were foggy, but at mid-day it was clear and very warm. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 80 ; and it was a hot and dry month. On fourteen days, the mercury rose to 90 and above. During mid v -day, it was only once be- low 80. At early dawn, it was very variable ; on some mornings it was as low as 62, and on others as high as 76. No heavy rain fell dur- ing the month ; but there were showers on the 3d, 5th, 23d, 25th, and 31st, making, in all, only two inches of rain. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 75, and there were some very warm days during the month. On five days the mer- cury rose to 90. Some rain fell on the 5th, 13th, 17th, and 21st, making in all three and three quarter inches. Vegetation looked very fair. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 75. It commenced and continued very warm until the 5th, the mercury ranging from 90 to 94. Only once afterwards did it rise to 90, during the month. Some rain fell on nine days in showers ; making in all three inches. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 80, and the mercury rose to 90 and JULY. 139 above, on six days ; and on nineteen days, from 80 to 89. Some rain fell on ten days, making in the whole five and a quarter inches. There was a good deal of thunder, and very vivid lightning, which struck in several places, and burnt several barns, &c. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 75. On three days the mercury rose to 90 ; and on twenty-one days, from 80 to 89, at mid-day. There was no heavy rain during the month ; but rain fell in showers on eleven days, making, in the whole, four and a quarter inches. There was considerable thunder and lightning. 1830. The medium or average temperature of this month was 80 ; and it was an intensely hot month. At mid-day the mercury rose to 90 and above, on twelve days. There was much thunder and lightning, and some rain fell on seven days, making, in the whole, a fraction over four inches. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 78, and on ten days the mercury rose to 90, and on some of these days a little above 90. Some rain fell on eight days, mak- ing in all four and a quarter inches. Vegeta- tion looked very promising, and fruit was abun- dant. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 78. There was much very warm and dry weather during this month, and a good deal of thunder and lightning, but very little rain fell, only two and a half inches during the 140 J U L Y. whole month. The mercury rose to 90 on two days, and from 80 to 89 on twenty days. Since May, vegetation had suffered very much for want of rain. Only four inches fell during the last nine weeks. There were some cases of the cholera in Philadelphia. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 77. The mercury did not rise as high as 90 during the whole month. There was a great uniformity in the temperature of the weather during the month. On sixteen days it ranged from 82 to 88 at mid-day ; and the remainder of the month from 72 to 78. Some rain fell on nine days, making in all four inches and an eighth. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 77, and the temperature was very variable. On eight days the mercury rose to 90 and a little above at mid-day, and on seve- ral days it did not rise to summer heat. But very little rain fell until the 29th, when two inches and a quarter fell on that day. The whole that fell during the month was a fraction over four and a quarter inches. 3835. The medium temperature of this month was 76. The temperature of this month was very uniform. The mercury only rose to 90 twice ; but the mercury ranged from 80 to 89 on twenty days during mid-day. More or less rain fell on ten days, making in all six and a half inches. Ten inches of rain fell during the last eight weeks. The farmers had an un- favourable time for gathering their harvest of grain and hay. JULY. 141 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 76, during which there were several very warm days, on two of which the mercury rose to 90, and on twenty days from 80 to 88. More or less rain fell on six days, making in all three inches. Vegetation was very flour- ishing. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 78, and there was more uniformity in the temperature of the weather during the month than usual. The mercury did not rise to 90 once ; but it ranged from 80 to 88 on twenty days. More or less rain fell on eleven days, making in all six inches. There were twenty entirely fair days. Vegetation thus far was not so forward as usual, but after the 18th, the uniformity of heat, and the frequent small showers, gave an impetus to vegetation, and caused it to progress with surprising vigour ; so that at the close of the month vegetation looked very flourishing. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 81, and it was the warmest month in this vicinity, that we have on our record for several years. On eighteen days, (during mid- day) the mercury rose to 90 and above ; on two of these days it rose to 96 \ in the shade, but being placed for thirty minutes in the full rays of the sun, at mid-day, it rose to 143. A small quantity of rain fell on six days, making in all two and a quarter inches ; but only in one in- stance was the atmosphere cooled after a thun- der shower, and in this instance it was cooler 19 142 J U L Y. only for a few hours. There were twenty-one fair, hot and dry days. 1839. The medium or average temperature of this month was 74, during which, there were both cool, and very warm days. On nine days the mercury rose to 90 at mid-day ; one day it did not rise above 67 ; on ten days there were showers, making in all two and a half inches of rain. Thus far the season was uncommonly healthy, and fruitful for every thing pleasant to the eye and delicious to the taste. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and both the wind and the wea- ther were very variable. On three days the mercury rose to 90, and on five days it did not rise^to 76 ; on twelve days it was cloudy ; on seven days some rain fell, making in all four and a half inches. On the 13th there was one of the most terrific thunder gusts which had oc- curred for many years ; the wind blew a com- plete hurricane for about fifteen minutes, dur- ing which some injury was done to the ship- ping, and also to several houses, and many awnings were blown to tatters. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 75, and a great part of which was very fine for harvesting. But there were some scorching days, and others that were cool. On six days the mercury rose to- 90, and a little above. On six days some rain fell, principally in thunder showers, making in all three and a quarter inches. During the thunder shower on the 5th, the lightning struck and burnt two JULY. 143 or three rope-walks and other buildings contigu- ous, about two miles from the city. Several barns were also struck and burnt, in Pennsyl- vania and New Jersey. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 74. This was indeed a month of thunder showers, and great destruction by light- ning, and torrents of rain ; also by wind and hail. The month commenced with the mer- cury at 90. From five to seven o'clock, P. M., on the first day, there was one of the most aw- ful thunder storms passed over this city and vicinity, ever experienced by the present gene- ration. The peals of thunder were astounding, and the lightning the most terrific ever beheld ; and the rain poured down in such torrents for two and a half hours, that several of the streets in the eastern part of the city were covered to the depth of two feet, and many basements and cellars completely filled, and a great amount of goods destroyed. During this shower, nearly six inches of rain fell. The lightning struck and consumed several barns in the vicinity of the city, and several houses were struck in the city and liberties, also several persons were stunned. Some rain also fell on twelve other days, principally in showers, making in all, which fell during the month, TWELVE INCHES ! which is the greatest quantity in any one month we can find on record. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 74, during which there was a great variation in the temperature, from day to day. On the 1st, the mercury was 90, and on the 2d, 144 JULY. it was 96. On the morning of the 3d it was only 60, and did not rise above 72 at mid-day. At sunrise on the 4th it was only 58. During the month it rose to 90 and above, on eight days. More or less rain fell on twelve days, making in all four and a half inches. Vege- tation and fruit were very luxuriant 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 74 ; and there was a good deal of uniformity in its temperature, from day to day. The mercury rose to 90 but once. On twenty days the mercury varied from 80 to 89. More or less rain fell on twelve days, making in all five and a quarter inches. Notwithstanding this part of the country was blest with frequent refreshing rains, other portions were parched by distressing drought. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 76 ; it commenced and continued cool until the 7th, when the wind changed to south-west, and the weather became very warm, and so continued until the 23d, when the wind changed to north-west, and the atmosphere be- came gradually cooler, until the mercury sunk to 58 at sunrise, and 74 during mid-day. From the llth to the 23d, the mercury rose to 90 and above, on ten days. There were thunder show- ers on the 2d, 14th, 16th, 22d, 27th, and 30th, and some sprinkles of rain on three other days, making in all two and three quarter inches. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 74. It commenced and continued overcast and rainy until the 5th, with the wind JULY. 145 from south-east to north-east, when the wind changed to south-west, and it cleared warm; but toward evening, there was a heavy thunder shower. It afterwards continued clear and very warm until the 12th, when there was an- other thunder shower in the afternoon, after which it cleared cooler, and so continued until the 17th, when there was a north-east rain storm; after which the weather was alternate- ly cloudy, drizzly, and partly clear, until the 23d, w r hen the wind changed from east to south- west, and it continued clear nearly all the time until the month closed. Some rain fell on thirteen days, making in all four and a half inches. A meteor passed over this city about nine o'clock on the evening of the 13th of this month, which was afterwards described in the newspapers of Baltimore, Annapolis, York county, Pa., Carlisle, &c. as being much more brilliant than it was here. 13* RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE MO3TTH OF AUGUST. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 74, during which there was a good deal of foggy, misty, dog-days' weather, but when the fog dispersed, the sun shone quite warm. On the 12th the wind changed to east, and considerable rain fell. On the 15th the wind changed to the west, and the weather was very warm and pleasant until the 20th, when the wind again changed to east, and a drizzly, over- cast, foggy spell ensued until the 27th, when the wind wested, and the weather was pleasant until the month closed. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 75. This month commenced and continued, very warm, with foggy mornings, and so continued until the 10th, when the wind changed to north-east, and a drizzly, rainy spell followed until the 16th, when it cleared cool with the wind at north-west. On the 19th the wind wested, and it became very warm and pleasant, and so continued, with occasional thunder showers, until the 28th, when the wind AUGUST. 147 changed to east and south-east, and it was foggy, damp and drizzly, until the month closed. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 76, and there was some very hot days. The mercury rose to 90 on three days, and from 84 to 89, on ten days. The weather was hot and dry until the llth, and vegetation suffered very much for rain. On the llth the wind changed to east, and a copious and re- freshing rain followed, to gladden the hearts of many. On the 16th the wind changed to south-west, and the weather was very warm until the 21st, when it changed to north-east, and afterwards to east, and during the remain- der of the month it was alternately foggy, drizzly, rainy, fair, warm, and cool. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and there was much damp, fog- gy, and very sultry weather, with some cool evenings and mornings, until the 13th, when the wind changed to west, and afterwards to south-west, and there was a terrific thunder shower, with very vivid lightning, which struck in several places. This shower was joyfully received, as it was in the midst of a melancholy drought, and a good deal of sickness prevailed. It was supposed that as many as a hundred cases of yellow fever occurred in the eastern part of the city during the month, and but few persons recovered. Fences were built across the streets, to prevent persons from going into the infected part of the city. After the shower of the 14th, there was no more rain during the 148 A U G U S T. month, but cool, foggy mornings and hot days. The drought and heat continued through Sep- tember and a part of October, and much sick- ness prevailed. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 71, and it commenced cool and damp, with the \vind at north-east. It rained on the 5th, and on the 6th the wind wested, and several very warm days ensued. On the 9th there was a violent thunder gust, and it cleared cooler with the wind at north-west. On the 10th the wind changed to south-west, and O ' cool nights, foggy mornings, and w r arm days followed, until the 18th, when the wind chan- ged to east, and a cloudy, drizzly spell of wea- ther ensued until the 25th; when the wind southed, and foggy mornings and w r arm sunny days continued until the month closed. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 70 ; it commenced warm and plea- sant, with a fine westerly breeze. On the 3d the wind southed, and it continued warm until the 7th, when there was a heavy thunder shower in the evening, which changed the wind to north-west, and it was cool until the 12th, when the wind changed to south-east, and a foggy, damp, cool, drizzly spell continued for a week. On the 19th the wind southed, and it was warm and tolerably pleasant until the 26th, when the wind changed to north-east, and a rainy, chilly spell closed the month. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and easterly winds and foggy, AUGUST. 149 damp, drizzly weather prevailed until the 8th, when the wind changed to south-west, and ten days of warm, dry pleasant weather ensued. On the 19th, the wind changed to north-east, which brought a soaking rain storm, and it cleared on the 21st, with a cool north-west wind, which produced some cold, frosty nights. On the 27th the wind wested, and the weather was warm and pleasant the residue of the month. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 74 ; and there were alternately some very hot, and some quite cool days. Very little rain fell, and owing to the drought, corn and late potatoes suffered very much. Some very foggy, easterly weather prevailed during the last two weeks. Fruit was very plenty, and owing to too free use of it, the dysentery was very prevalent among adults as well as chil- dren, and many children died during the month. 1798. The medium or average temperature of this month was 77, and there was an unusual quantity of very hot and dry weather. Although there were several thunder showers, yet com- paratively but a small quantity of rain fell. Foggy mornings and hot sunny days prevailed a great part of the month. On the 19th the wind changed to north-east, and on the 20th to east, and there was several cool, damp, misty days, but very little rain fell. During this and the succeeding month, several cases of yellow fever again occurred near the wharves, in the eastern part of the city, which was traced to 150 AUGUST. two vessels from the West Indies that came from a sickly port, and had lost part of their crews by the yellow fever; but through the vigilance of the Board of Health, the vessels were sent down to the quarantine and the fever was stopped, after a few cases had occurred. The same fever which occurred in this city in 1793, was also imported by vessels from the West In- dies, where said fever prevailed, but it had then spread to an alarming degree before it was as- certained that it was imported. Perhaps there is not a healthier city on earth than Philadel- phia, and no city which has a more vigilant board of health and police. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 71, and there was a good deal of damp, drizzly, foggy, dog-days' weather. There were, however, a few very hot days, after the fog dispersed, and on two of those days the mercury ran up to 90, and on four others from 86 to 88; during those hot days, there were two severe thunder gusts, which caused some cool weather afterwards. 1800. The medium or average temperature of this month was 72, and it was a month of many weathers. There were several very hot days, with the wind from west to south, which produced some thunder showers. It then changed to north and south-east, and a spell of rainy weather ensued. The wind afterwards changed to north-west, and some cool days and nights followed. The wind then changed to south-east, and the whole country was en- veloped in fog by day and by night. It clear- AUGUST. 151 ed after two days with a brisk north-wester, which blew away all the fog, vapour and un- pleasant fluids, and produced a clear, cool and healthful atmosphere, with which the month closed. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and there was more cool, damp weather than usual for August. Northerly and north-easterly winds prevailed until the middle of the month, after which the wind changed to south-east, and fogs, mists and a drizzly rain followed. On the 19th there was an easterly rain storm ; on the 21st it cleared cool with the wind at north-west, and afterwards to south- west, and foggy mornings and hot days ensued until the month closed. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and it commenced very warm and dry, with wind varying from west to south until the llth, when it changed to east, and a very refreshing rain fell, and on the 14th the wind southed, and foggy mornings and hot days followed until the 20th, when the wind changed to east, and the weather was very va- riable the residue of the month. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and it commenced overcast and drizzly with the wind east. On the 5th the wind wested, and it was warm and pleasant until the 13th, when the wind changed to south-east, and several days of wet weather en- sued. The wind then changed to north-west, and three quite cool days followed; after which, 152 A U G U S T. it southed, and live days of foggy mornings and warm sunny days occurred; when the wind again changed to east, and the remainder of the month was damp and cool. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 69, and a very cool month it was. On two or three mornings light frosts were very perceptible. From the 8th to the 14th, the wind varied from west to south, and there was one week of pleasant weather. On the 15th it changed again to east, and a long spell of foggy, drizzly, rainy weather ensued. On the 24th the wind changed to north-west, and on the 27th to south-west. On the 28th there was a thunder gust, after which it cleared cool, and thus the month ended. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 70. It commenced foggy, and af- terwards cleared warm, and so continued, until the 10th, when the wind changed to east, and a whole week of damp, drizzly weather ensued. On the 16th the wind changed to west, and afterwards to south-west, and several very warm days followed. On the 21st the wind changed to north-east, which produced four cool, chilly days. On the 25th it changed to east, and foggy, damp, drizzly weather closed the month. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 69, and it w r as cool and unpleasant for several days ; after which some foggy morn- ings and hot days ensued. After the 20th there were several overcast, drizzly, rainy days. There was a light frost on two mornings, and AUGUST. 153 the weather during the month was very varia- ble. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 71. The month commenced with a clear atmosphere, and a refreshing westerly breeze. It continued very fine (with the wind varying from west to south-west,) until the 7th, when a heavy thunder shower occurred in the evening. On the morning of the 8th the wind blew fresh and cool from the north-west, and it continued cool until the llth, when the wind wested, and it became much warmer. On the 15th the wind southed, and there was a heavy thunder gust, after which the wind changed to the north-east, and a damp, drizzly, cool atmos- phere followed until the 23d, when the wind changed to south-west, and foggy mornings and warm days ensued until the month closed. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 73, and foggy mornings and hot days followed, during the first week ; when the wind changed to east, and four days of damp, drizzly weather ensued ; after which the wind wested, and there was a spell of warm, splendid weather, with the wind varying from west to south, during which there were two severe thunder gusts. On the 21st the wind changed to east, and considerable rain fell. On the 24th it cleared with the wind at south-west, and several warm days ensued. On the 29th the wind changed to south-east, and the residue of the month was extremely foggy and damp. During the month, the mercury rose to 90 on three days, and on eight days from 85 to 88. 14 154 AUGUST. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and the mornings were foggy, and mid-days very warm until the 5th, when the wind changed to east, and the weather was overcast, damp and drizzly until the 28th, when the wind changed to west, and a whole week of clear dry weather ensued. On the 16th there was a violent thunder shower, with terrific lightning ; at the close of the shower some hail fell, which broke much window-glass. On the 17th the atmosphere was quite cool, with the wind at north-west. It continued cool until the 20th, when the wind southed, and some foggy mornings and warm days fol- lowed until the 26th, when the wind changed to east, and damp, drizzly weather continued until the month closed. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 69 ; and the month commenced in a dense fog, and foggy mornings and warm days followed until the 4th, when there was a heavy thunder gust, which brought the wind to north-west, and cool weather continued until the 9th, when the wind changed to south-west, and it was warm and pleasant until the 14th, when a dry, chilly north-east wind followed, until the 21st, at which time the wind changed to south-east, and it rained on the 22d and 23d, and the weather continued cool, damp and drizzly until the 26th, when the wind changed to west, and the weather was pleasant until the month closed. The season abounded in fruit and vegetables of all kinds, and Indian corn and potatoes promised an abundant yield. AUGUST. 155 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 73. The month commenced hot and dry, and so continued until the llth, when the wind changed to east, and on the 12th it rained moderately nearly the whole day. The atmosphere continued cool until the 17th, when the wind southed, and eight days of very warm weather ensued. On the 25th the wind changed to north-east, and on the 26th to east, and a foggy, damp atmosphere concluded the month. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 71 ; it commenced cloudy and damp, but the 2d brought a westerly wind and clear atmosphere, and it continued warm and plea- sant until the 10th, when a thunder gust brought the wind to north-west, and three days of cool weather ensued. On the 15th the wind changed to east, and it became overcast, damp and drizzly for several days. On the 20th the wind southed, and foggy mornings and warm days followed, until the 26th, when the wind changed to north-east, and it was quite cool and damp until the month closed. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and much cool, damp, overcast weather prevailed during the month. Some- times the wind changed to west or south-west, for a few days, and fine, clear, and splendid weather followed. It then suddenly changed to north-east, and produced a cool, damp atmos- phere, and after two or three days it changed to east, and rain followed for a day or two. In this way the weather alternated during the whole month. There were, however, some 156 AUGUST. very foggy mornings and warm days. On the 27th there was a destructive gale at Charleston, S. C., which did immense damage to the ship- ping, &c. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and it was a month of great changes of weather. It commenced very warm, with the wind at south-west. On the 5th, after a heavy thunder gust, the wind changed to chilly north-east, and many persons took vio- lent colds, owing to the great and sudden change in the weather. In twelve hours the mercury sank from 90 to 60. It continued cool until the 9th, when the wind changed to south-east, and foggy, drizzly weather ensued until the 12th, when it cleared with a cool north-west wind. On the 15th it changed to south-west, and it was warm and pleasant until the 21st, when a thunder gust produced a cold north- west wind, which continued for three days. The wind went down with the sun, and during each night there was a light frost. On the 25th, the wind southed, and foggy mornings and warm days ensued until the month closed. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and it commenced enveloped in a dense fog, which the sun did not wholly dis- perse until eleven o'clock, when it shone very hot. Foggy mornings and oppressively warm days continued until the 6th, w T hen a violent thunder shower, with terrific lightning, cooled the atmosphere, and changed the wind to north- west. On the 10th it changed to east, and a thick, misty atmosphere ensued, with occasional AUGUST. 157 rain, until the 15th, when the wind changed to west, and a week of delightful weather follow- ed. On the 22d the wind changed to south- east, and an overcast, damp, drizzly spell of weather ensued until the 27th, after which it cleared with a westerly wind and pure atmos- phere, which continued until the month closed. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was only 66 ! and such a cheerless, des- ponding, melancholy summer month, the old- est inhabitant never, perhaps, experienced. This poor month entered upon its duties so perfectly chilled, as to be unable to raise one warm, fog- gy morning, or cheerful sunny day. It com- menced with a cold north-east rain storm, and when it cleared the atmosphere was so chilled as to produce ice in many places half an inch thick. It froze the Indian corn, which was in the milk, so hard, that it rotted up on the stock, and farmers mowed it down and dried it for cattle-fodder. Every green thing was destroy- ed, not only in this country but in Europe. Newspapers received from England said, " It will ever be remembered by the present gene- ration, that the year 1816 was a year in which there was no summer." Indian corn, raised in Pennsylvania in 1815, sold (for seed to plant in the spring of 1817,) for four dollars per bushel in many places. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 72 ; during which, there was much delightfully pleasant weather. There were fine crops of grain and vegetables of every de- scription, and fruit was very abundant and joy 14* 158 A U G U S T. and gladness filled every heart. Seasonable rains, warm sunshines, and foggy mornings continued until the month closed. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 73, and it was a hot and dry month. Foggy mornings and intensely warm days fol- lowed each other in quick succession until the middle of the month, before any rain fell, ex- cept the skirts of two thunder showers, which passed south of the city. At last the wind changed to east, and it rained part of a day and night, to the joy of thousands, and afterwards cleared much cooler, and so continued until the 24th, when the wind again southed, and foggy mornings and warm days followed until the month closed. On five days the mercury rose to 90, and on thirteen other days it rose from 84 to 88. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 71, and it was clear and moderately warm until the 13th, after which foggy morn- ings and hot days followed until the 23d, with a distressing drought. Almost every thing was parched up. On the 23d there was a thunder gust, with terrific lightning, but not much rain fell in this vicinity ; after the shower, a cool north-west wind succeeded for several days, when the wind southed, and foggy mornings and warm days ensued until the month closed. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 70, during which there was much cool, wet, easterly weather, and when the wind changed to west or south-west, the re-action , . A U G U S T. 159 was extremely oppressive. For several days the mercury ran up to 88 and 90, and there were several alarming cases of fever in the east- ern part of the city, which originated from clothes and bedding sent from a vessel that had recently arrived from the West Indies ; but the cases were confined to a few families, and the alarm soon subsided. From the 22d to the close of the month, damp easterly weather pre- vailed. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 73. It commenced with foggy mornings and warm sunny days, which con- tinued until the 9th, when there was a tremen- dous thunder shower, which changed the wind to north-west, and several cool days followed. On the 13th the wind wested, and a week of delightful weather ensued ; after which, it changed to east, and there was a copious rain. From the 24th to the close of the month, foggy mornings and warm days followed. A few cases of fever occurred, as in the corresponding month of last year. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 76, and there was much oppres- sively hot weather, and but very little rain fell. Westerly and southerly winds prevailed a great part of the month. From the 18th the fog was so dense and wet, it was like a misty or drizzly rain ; and as the sun dispersed the fog late in the morning, it then shone with almost a scorch- ing heat, and for eight days the mercury ran up to 90 and above ; on two days it reached 96. During this month, the yellow fever pre- 160 AUGUST. vailed in New York city, and there were a few instances in this city. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and foggy mornings and warm days ensued, until the 8th, when the wind changed to north-east, and cool, damp weather followed until the 1 1th, after which, the wind changed to east, and it rained moderately dur- ing the day. On the 13th the wind changed to north, and there was a week of cool weather, when the wind wested, and some moderately warm weather followed until the 25th, when the wind changed to south-east, and damp, drizzly weather closed the month. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 71, and it commenced with the wind at north-east, and a cool, damp, drizzly atmos- phere followed until the 5th, when the wind changed to west, and on the 7th, to south-west, and the weather was warm and dry until the 15th, when the wind changed to east, and a very seasonable rain fell. On the 17th, the wind changed to north, and it was quite cool until the 22d, when the wind wested, and warm and delightful weather ensued, until the month closed. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 72. It commenced with a warm westerly wind, and the mercury ran up to 86 at mid-day ; but on the 2d the wind changed to north-east, and it was cool until the 5th, when the wind southed, and it was quite warm until the llth, after which the wind changed AUGUST. 161 to north-east, and three days of cool weather ensued. On the 14th, the wind changed to south-west, and three days of intensely hot weather followed, with the mercury ranging from 92 to 94. On the 17th, the wind again changed to north-east, and it was cool until the 25th, (rain falling on part of those days.) From the 26th until the month closed, it was quite warm. The mercury rose to 90 and above, on five days. On one day, it did not rise above 62 ; and on several other days it did not rise to summer heat. Some rain fell on eight days, making in all three and three quarter inches. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and it produced quite a variety, both as it respects wind and weather. It com- menced very warm, and the mercury ran up to 90 at mid-day. On thirteen other days, it ranged from 80 to 85, and on fourteen other days, it ranged from 70 to 76, at mid-day. On nineteen days, the wind was from north-east to east. On the remaining days, it was from north to south-west. There was no regular rain storm during the month, but a little rain fell on eleven days, making in all two and three quarter inches. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 70; it commenced and continued very warm until the 12th. with the wind at south-west, when it changed to north-east, and it was cooler until the 21st, which was very warm. But from the 22d to the close of the month, it was much cooler ; on two or three of those days, it did not rise to 70 at mid-day, and 162 AUGUST. only to 57 at sunrise. On the 26th, there was a north-east rain storm, during which more than three inches of rain fell, and some rain fell on three other days, making in all five and three quarter inches. The mercury rose to 90 and above, on the 4th, 5th, and 6th, and from 85 to 88 on seven other days. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 76. The first three days in this month were very warm, the mercury ranging from 88 to 91. On the 4th, the wind changed to north-east, and one and a quarter inches of rain fell, which was the only rain that fell dur- ing the month, except a very little on two other days, making in all one and a half inches. From the 7th to the 17th, inclusive, it was very warm, when three days of cooler weather en- sued. From the 2] st to the close of the month, it was very warm and very dry. The mercury rose during the month to 90 and above, on nine days, but not in succession. There was much thunder and lightning during the month. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 75. This was also a warm month, but not so intensely hot and dry as the corres- ponding month of last year. Much more rain fell, and the temperature was more uniform. The mercury rose to 90 and above, on three days only ; and it ranged from 83 to 88 on fif- teen days. More or less rain fell on eight days, making in all four and a half inches. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 75. This month was uniformly AUGUST. 163 warm, with a few exceptions. The mercury rose to 90 only, on four days ; and from 84 to 88 on fifteen days. More or less rain fell on eight days, making in all four inches. There were two severe thunder gusts during the month. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 76 ; and it was a very warm month. On ten days, the mercury rose to 90. Wester- ly and southerly winds prevailed a great part of the month. More or less rain fell on eight days, making in all five and a quarter inches. There was much thunder and lightning during the month. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 74. There was a great uniformity of temperature during the month. The mer- cury^did not rise to 90 once, but it ranged from 84 to 88 on thirteen days. More or less rain fell on nine days, making in all five and three quarter inches. During this and the previous month, the cholera prevailed in Philadelphia. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and there was great uniformity in the temperature of this month, although there were a few very cool days. The wind was exceedingly variable, and more or less rain fell on seven days, making in all three and a quarter inches. There were some foggy morn- ings, and two thunder gusts. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 73 ; and it was a very dry and cool month. North and north-east winds prevailed 164 AUGUST. very much. There were, however, nearly two weeks of westerly winds, which produced a very heated atmosphere. The drought was very severe. Only a fraction over an half inch of rain fell during the whole month. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 72 ; and the temperature was very variable. The weather was very warm for some days, and then cool. And it varied in this way several times during the month. A very little rain fell on eleven days, the whole measuring only two inches. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 70. It commenced warm, with the mercury at 86, and afterwards it continued moderately warm until the 5th, with the mer- cury at 80 in the shade, at mid-day; after which the wind changed to north-east, and some rain fell. It then continued cool until the 14th, when the wind changed to south-west, and it was moderately warm until the 20th, when the wind again changed to north-east, and it continued cool until the month closed. A little rain fell on five days, making in all two inches. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 75 ; and a great part of the month was uniformly warm. The first three days, the mercury ranged from 84 to 89. The 8th and the 30th, were 90. The remaining days, (with a few exceptions,) were warm and plea- sant. There was very little fog during the AUGUST. 165 month. Rain fell on nine days, making in all about three inches. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 77, and there were some intensely hot days, and severe thunder showers. On nine days the mercury was from 90 to 95 in the shade. And on twelve days, from 84 to 89. On four days there were terrific thunder showers. That on the llth was truly awful, extending from Virginia, through the middle and New England States. Many persons were killed by lightning ; houses and barns were burnt; vessels struck and set on fire, and many animals of various descriptions killed. During a part of the shower, the wind blew a perfect hurricane. In Maryland, several houses and other buildings were demolished ; and in many other places buildings were unroofed, &c. Sev- eral barns were struck by lightning and burnt in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, &c. In Chesapeake bay, several small vessels were capsized, and several persons drowned. We saw published in the newspapers, the names of twenty-six persons that were killed during this storm, in various places. During the month, more or less rain fell in this city, on six days, making in all about two inches. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 70, and it was really a weeping month. More or less rain fell on sixteen days, making in all about four and three quarter inches. A great majority of the mornings and evenings were enveloped in fogs. There were but five entirely clear days during the month ; 15 166 AUGUST. and on no day did the mercury rise to 90, and only once to 88. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 74 ; and it was uniformly warm from the commencement to the close, but not intensely so. On one day only, the mercury rose to 90. Rain fell in showers on twelve days, making in all five and a half inches. There were ten entirely clear days, free from clouds, fog or rain. Several barns were struck and consumed by lightning on the llth and 12th, in the vicinity of Bristol, Burlington, and Trenton. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 71, and the heat was very uniform; in only one instance did the mercury rise so high as 87, at mid-day, in the shade, and in only one instance was it so low as 74 at mid- day. More or less rain fell on twelve days, making in all nine inches. There were ten entirely clear days, and but very few foggy morn- ings during the month. The season was de- lightfully pleasant and fruitful. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 72, and it was a fair specimen of what dog-days were in olden times, about equally divided between foggy, hazy, over- cast, cloudy, rainy and sunny. Some nights so cool that a double-milled blanket was com- fortable, and others so hot that a thin covering was burdensome. The month commenced with the mercury down to 53 at sunrise, and it did not rise above 70 at mid-day. On the 14th it AUGUST. 167 rose to 80, when the wind southed, and the re- mainder of the month was warm summer wea- ther. More or less rain fell on fourteen days, making in all three and three quarter inches. There was a tremendous thunder storm before day-light on the morning of the 18th, and the lightning struck in several places. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 75, and it was a month of disasters, by storms, floods, tornadoes, thunder and light- ning, &c. On the morning of the 5th a tre- mendous north-east rain storm commenced and continued until eight o'clock in the evening. Towards night there was terrific thunder and lightning, and the rain poured down in fright- ful torrents. The streets were completely flooded in every direction. In many parts of the city and liberties cellars and basement sto- ries were filled with water, to the great destruc- tion of goods and other property. During the latter part of the storm there was a violent tor- nado, which swept down the Schuylkill river, and did great damage to forty vessels, either loading, or waiting to load with coal. Several houses and other buildings in the vicinity of the Schuylkill, were either blown down or greatly injured, and much other damage done. One man was instantly killed, and several per- sons greatly injured. But the disasters in this city and vicinity, when compared with those sustained in the adjoining county of Delaware, were comparatively small. In that county about thirty persons lost their lives, and public and private property was destroyed to the 168 AUGUST amount of half a million of dollars, consisting of mills, factories, houses, barns, grain, hay, fur- niture, factory goods, stock, &c. ; fifty bridges were swept away by the flood, and immense other damage sustained. A storm, attended with such disastrous results, was scarcely ever experienced before in this part of the country. During the same storm, great damage was sus- tained at Norristown, Upper Merion, &c., in factories, mills, bridges, &c. ; also, at Wilming- ton, Brandy wine, Newark, Elizabeth town, and in various other places immense damage was likewise sustained. There were also great and destructive floods during the month, in Mary- land, Virginia, North Carolina, city of Wash- ington, and in the states of New York, Con- necticut, &,c. Nine and a quarter inches of rain fell in this city during the month. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 73, and it presented a series of most delightful weather. The season was the most prolific for vegetables and fruit which had oc- curred for several years. There was no heavy storm during the month in this vicinity. On seven days there were refreshing showers; and the whole quantity of rain which fell during the month was only two and a half inches. There were seventeen entirely clear days dur- ing the month. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 74, and there was much oppressive- ly hot weather, and a very uncommon number of severe thunder showers, with very terrific lightning. More or less rain fell on fifteen AUGUST. 169 days, and principally in showers, making in all seven and a quarter inches. Although the mercury rose to 90 but once, yet it ranged from 84 to 89 on fifteen days, in the shade. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 75. It was a month of great hu- midity. The wind was either east or north- east, the whole or a part of nineteen days. There was either a drizzly rain or showers, on thirteen days. There were many foggy morn- ings; after which the sun shone with great power. On thirteen days the wind was from the west or south-west, the whole or a part of the day. On four days, the mercury ranged from 90 to 92 in the open air in the shade, and on nine days it was from 84 to 88, in the shade. There were twelve clear and cloudless days. The rain which fell was principally in small showers, making in all four and a quar- ter inches. 15* RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE MOIfTH OF SEPTEMBER. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 66, and there was much warm and very pleasant weather, with some seasonable showers. The equinoctial storm passed off very lightly in this latitude, but it was very severe at the south. About three inches of rain fell during the month. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 64. There was also much pleasant weather during the month. There were seve- ral very plentiful showers, and considerable rain fell about the time the sun crossed the line, but the wind was not boisterous in this vicinity. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 63. It commenced cool and damp, with the wind at the eastward, but it changed to west on the 5th, and afterwards to south- west, and ten days of remarkably pleasant weather ensued. Some rain fell on the 16th, and it cleared much cooler. On the 22d the wind changed to nort-east, and blew very fresh SEPTEMBER. 171 for a night and a day, and considerable rain fell. During the remainder of the month, the weather was very variable. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 70. There was much intensely hot weather. After a foggy, damp atmosphere through the night, and until nine o'clock in the morning, (with the wind south,) the sun shone out with such intense heat, as to cause the mer- cury in Fahrenheit to run up to 90 and above. From the 1st to the 13th, it was seven times at 90, and on some days a little above ; and on eleven other days during the month, it was from 84 to 88. The nights, in general, were cool, foggy, and damp. The drought was very dis- tressing ; very little rain had fallen since July. Vegetation was parched up. There was neither grazing or water for cattle, and many died in various parts of the country for lack of food and drink. Lakes, streams, springs and wells, that had never been known to be dry, were then without water. And during this distressing season of heat and drought, the yellow fever was raging in this city to a frightful degree. But while the inhabitants of this city and vi- cinity could send to the Delaware and Schuyl- kill for water, in many parts of the country the inhabitants were compelled to haul their water from ten to twenty miles in casks. The drought continued until October. The earth was lite- rally like powder and dust, except clay land, which baked as hard as a pine board. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 62 ; and it was a month of many 172 SEPTEMBER. weathers ; from quite warm to cold and frosty, and from mild and pleasant, and then stormy and unpleasant. The wind varied from north- west to west, and south. It was also north- east and south-east. Some rain fell on seven days, making in all about four inches. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 64 ; it commenced with a cool, dry, north-east wind, which changed to south-east on the 4th, and some rain fell on the 5th. It cleared with a westerly wind, and two weeks of clear, mild weather ensued. On the 20th the wind changed to north-east, and after blow- ing fresh for three days, it changed to south- east, and it rained powerfully all one night and part of a day. From the 26th to the close of the month it was mild and pleasant. Six" inches of rain fell during the month. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 68, and it was a month of splendid weather, with just showers enough to keep the dust laid, and thunder and lightning enough to keep the atmosphere pure. The mercury va- ried from 84 to 88 at mid-day, on nineteen days. The remainder of the month was cool. Some rain fell on six days, making in all about three inches. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 66 ; during which there was much pleasant weather, as well as much that was cloudy, and some that was very rainy. And to make up the variety of the month, there were SEPTEMBER. 173 two or three very warm days, and a few frosty nights. Five inches of rain fell. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 69 ; and during a part of the month, the weather was extremely warm. On three days the mercury was at 90 at two o'clock, and on several days it varied from 80 to 88. Very little rain fell during the month, not more than two and a half inches. The yellow fever pre- vailed for a short time, during August and Sep- tember, but not to the extent it did in 1793. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 66. There were no very warm days during this month, but many that were very pleasant. There was considerable more damp and rainy weather than usual, for Sep- tember. More or less rain fell on nine days, making in all about five inches. The wind was very boisterous at north-east, about the time the sun crossed the line. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 68. There were several very foggy mornings and hot sunny days. Twelve en- tirely clear days ; nine that were partly clear and partly cloudy ; and nine in which more or less rain fell, making in all about three and three quarter inches. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 64. It commenced and continued mild and pleasant until the llth, when some rain fell, and the weather remained unsettled 4 until the 16th. The wind then southed, and it was warm and pleasant until the 21st, then 174 SEPTEMBER. the wind changed to north-east, and it was cloudy and damp until the 24th, when a copi- ous rain descended, and it did not clear until the 29th. The month ended very pleasant, but cool and frosty. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 66. It commenced cool, with the wind at north-west, and it varied from this point to north and north-east until the 7th, when some rain fell. On the 9th the wind wested, and a week of quite warm and pleasant wea- ther ensued. The wind then changed to south- east and some rain fell ; it then southed , and five warm days ensued. On the 23d the wind changed to east and blew very fresh for two or three days, during which rain fell several times, after which it cleared cool, and so continued until the month closed. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 65, during which there was much pleasant weather. Some rain fell on six days, making in all about three inches. Very little of the equinoctial storm (so called) was felt in this latitude ; but there was a great blow in the gulf stream, &c. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 70, during which there were some intensely warm days. The mercury rose to 90 on three days. On the 1st it was 92; on the 2d 88 ; on the 3d 86 ; and on the 4th 90 ; after which the wind changed to north-east, and it became quite cool for two days. On the 6th and 8th there were a few sprinkles of rain, SEPTEMBER. 175 and the wind afterwards changed to south-west, and the weather was oppressively hot and dry until the 23d, when the wind changed to north- east, and a damp, cloudy, drizzly spell ensued, and the weather remained in an unsettled state until the month closed. On the 4th, 5th and 6th there was a terrible hurricane in the West Indies, in which 274 vessels and a great many sailors were lost. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 66, during which there was no re- markably warm weather, but much that was pleasant. The equinoctial storm was severe on the American coast, and considerable injury was sustained by vessels. Some rain fell on seven days, making in all about four inches. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and there were some cool morn- ings and evenings, with some foggy and hot sunny days ; also, some rainy days, particular- ly during the last two weeks, making in all about five and a quarter inches. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 66. The first two weeks were very pleasant, with the wind varying from south to west. But the last two weeks were very va- riable, both as to wind and weather. Some rain fell on seven days, making in all about three and three quarter inches. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 67. It commenced with foggy mornings and warm sunny days, but not in- tensely hot. The weather was very uniform 176 SEPTEMBER. in temperature a great part of the month. There were several very seasonable showers, and about the time the sun crossed the line the wind blew very fresh at north-east, and con- siderable rain fell, making in all that fell dur- ing the month about five and a half inches. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 68, and much very warm and dry weather prevailed until after the 22d, when the wind changed to north-east and blew very hard for two days and one night, during which some rain fell. The whole which fell during the month was about two and three quarter inches. During the first week the mercury rose to 90 on three days. On eleven other days it varied from 84 to 88 during the first three weeks. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 66, during which the weather was very variable. The wind frequently changing from north to east, and from east to west and south, and the temperature of the atmosphere of course changed with the wind. There was much damp, drizzly weather, as well as some that was very warm and pleasant. About three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. On the 7th there was a very destructive hurri- cane in South Carolina and Georgia and many lives lost. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 6^, and the weather was remarka- bly uniform and pleasant a great part of the month. There were two days that the mer- cury ran up to 90, and thirteen days in which SEPTEMBER. 177 it varied from 83 to 88. There were two thun- der gusts during the first two weeks. From the 21st to the close of the month easterly winds and damp, drizzly weather prevailed a great part of the time. On the 8th there was a terri- ble tornado at Charleston, S. C., and many lives lost and great destruction of property. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 67. It commenced foggy and warm, with the wind south, but on the 5th it changed to east and some rain fell, after which it changed to west, and a week of warm, plea- sant weather ensued. The wind then changed to north-east for three days, after which it southed, and it was warm and pleasant until the 24th, when a north-east rain storm set in ; af- ter the storm it cleared very cool with a north- west wind. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 66, and there was much pleasant weather the first two weeks, with several small showers. From the 14th to the 18th a damp, easterly wind prevailed, after which the wind changed to west, and five very pleasant days ensued. It then changed to north-east and it rained for a day and night, after which it cleared cool and frosty. Nearly four inches of rain fell during the month. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and the weather was very va- riable. After the first week the mornings and evenings were quite cool, and northerly winds prevailed until the 13th, when the wind chan- 16 178 SEPTEMBER. ged to south-west, and it was warm and plea- sant until the 20th. The wind then changed to north-east, and damp, rainy weather ensued until the 25th, when the wind wested, and the month closed warm and pleasant. About three and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 67; and during the first three weeks there was much warm and remarkably pleasant weather. There were two thunder gusts and two other showers. The wind varied from west to south, during the three weeks men- tioned above. On the 22d the wind changed to north-east, and the equinoctial storm was severe from south to north. About five inches of rain fell during the month. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 62, and it produced more than two weeks of the mildest and pleasantest weather there had been during the whole season, for such a length of time; but on the 17th, after some rain fell, the wind changed to north-west, and a chilly, frosty atmosphere ensued; and the 23d brought a cold north-east wind and a violent equinoctial rain storm, which continued for two days. After which it cleared with a brisk north-west wind, and for several succeed- ing nights water froze a quarter of an inch thick in -shallow ponds. About five inches of rain fell during the month. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 64; and the first three weeks pro- SEPTEMBER. 179 duced much mild and pleasant weather, with some seasonable showers, with the wind vary- ing from north to south. About the time the sun crossed the line, the wind changed to north- east, and it blew very hard for a day and night, and some rain fell. It afterwards cleared cool and frosty. About three inches of rain fell dur- ing the month. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 66. It commenced and continued very warm until the 7th, during which the mercury rose to 90 on three successive days, and from 86 to 88 on four other days. On the night of the 7th, the wind changed to north- east, and the mercury sunk twenty degrees in twelve hours. It continued cool, overcast, and drizzly until the llth, when the wind wested, and eight days of warm and very pleasant wea- ther ensued, when the wind again changed to north-east, and a cool, damp spell followed, with occasional rain, until the 25th, when it cleared rather cool, and so continued until the month closed. About three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 64 ; it commenced warm and very dry; very little rain having fallen for four weeks, and none fell until the 17th of this month, when, to the joy of thousands, it rained moderately for nearly two days ; and afterwards cleared and continued mild and pleasant until the 25th, when the wind changed to east, and more rain fell, making in all which fell during the month, about three inches. 180 SEPTEMBER. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and it commenced with a damp easterly wind, and drizzly rain ; but on the 4th the wind wested, and a week of warm and plea- sant weather ensued, when the wind again changed to east, and more rain fell ; and then another week of pleasant weather ensued. Dur- ing the remainder of the month, the weather was very variable, from cool to warm, and from damp to rainy. About four and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 65, and it produced her full quota of very fine weather, and some very seasonable showers. On the 20th the wind changed to north-east, and a week of cool, damp and rainy weather followed, after which the wind wested, and the month closed very pleasant. Nearly four inches of rain fell during the month. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 68, and it commenced and continued very warm and dry until the 18th. During two thunder gusts, a little rain fell. On the 19th the wind changed to north-east, and it was cool, damp and drizzly until the 24th, when the wind changed to south-west, and it was quite warm until the month closed. Dur- ing the month the mercury ran up to 90 four times, and on seven days it varied from 84 to 89. About three inches of rain fell during the month. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 65 ; and the weather was very fine SEPTEMBER. 181 until the 9th, when the wind changed to east, and it was damp, drizzly, and cool, "until the 14th, when the wind wested, and a week of warm and pleasant weather ensued. On the 22d the wind changed to north-east, and it rained and blew very hard for part of two days. The weather continued unsettled until the 28th, when it cleared cool, and so continued until the month closed. About four and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 66. It commenced and continued with foggy mornings and warm days until the 6th, when the wind changed to north-west, and it was cool until the 10th, then the wind chan- ged to south-west, and it was quite warm until the 20th, with two seasonable and copious showers, on the 14th and 17th. On the 20th the wind changed to north-east, and it continued cool and damp until the 24th, when the wind changed to south-east, and it rained all night and part of the subsequent day, after which it cleared cool with the wind north-west. About five inches of rain fell during the month. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 64 ; the 1st and 2d were warm. On the 3d some rain fell, after which the weather was clear, dry and warm, until the 16th, when some rain fell. It was again clear, (but not very warm,) until the 23d, when the wind changed to north-east, and some rain fell, and it continued cloudy and damp until the 26th; then a little more rain fell, making" in all that fell during the month, two and a half inches. 182 SEP T E M B E R. On the 27th it cleared cool, and so continued until the month closed. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was G5 ; it commenced damp and driz- zly. On the 4th it rained part of the day, after which the wind wested, and it was warm and dry until the 18th, when the wind changed to north-east, and it was damp and drizzly for two days, and continued cloudy until the 24th, when a little more rain fell, after which it clear- ed, and so continued until the month closed. Only two inches of rain fell during the whole month. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 64; and it was a very dry month, but not very warm. Northerly winds prevail- ed very much ; but it occasionally changed to west, south-west, and south, but did not con- tinue long at either of those points at any one time. The only rain that fell during the month was a very little on the 18th and 22d, making in all only one inch. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 65. It commenced overcast, damp and drizzly, and some rain fell on the 1st, 2d, and 4th ; no more fell until the 28th, making in all that fell during the month, four and a half inches. From the 9th to the 25th, there was much warm, sultry weather. The mercury rose to 90 three days ; and on eleven days it was from 84 to 88. The residue of the month ranged from 76 to 82 at mid-day. There were, however, a few cool nights. SEPTEMBER. 183 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 66 ; and it was quite warm until the 7th, when there was a thunder gust and some rain fell. A little more rain fell on the llth, 16th, and 29th, making in all two inches. There was much warm, dry, sultry weather during the month, and the appearance of show- ers frequently passed both at the north and south of the city, and distant thunder was heard. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 65, and there was a great uniformi- ty of temperature during the first three weeks, notwithstanding the wind changed several times, and rain fell on the 4th and 9th. The mercury varied from day to day from 82 to 88. On the 22d the wind changed to north- east, and it was much cooler; it continued cloudy and overcast until the 26th, when it rained moderately a great part of the day. During the month three inches of rain fell. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 68, and it was quite warm until the 5th, when a thunder shower cooled the air for a day or two, but it soon became warm again, and so continued until the 16th; the mercury thus far varying from day to day from 82 to 86. The wind now changed to east, and some rain fell on the 16th and 17th, after which it wested and pleasant days ensued until the 22d, when the wind changed to north-east, and a cold, drizzly, rainy week closed the month; some rain fell on the 23d, 24th, 26th and 184 SEPTEMBER. 27th. The quantity which fell daring the month was five inches. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 66, and it was a uniformly warm and dry month for September. Rain fell only on the 4th and 12th, making in all one inch and a half. The mercury ran up to 90 twice. Except on those two days it varied but little until past the 20th, when the wind changed to north-east and it was cooler. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 67. It commenced and continued clear and warm until the 8th, when the wind changed to east, and some rain fell on the 8th, 10th and 12th, when the wind wested, and it was warm and pleasant until the 18th, when another change took place, and some rain fell on the 18th, 19th and 2Jst, making in all that fell during the month four inches. The mer- cury ran up to 90 on three days. The last eight days in the month were pleasant, but not very warm. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 65, and it commenced with a great drought; only half an inch of rain having fallen for more than four weeks, and the wea- ther was very warm. But during this month there were several small rains, measuring alto- gether three and a half inches. There was much thunder and lightning during this month. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 66, and it produced its full quan- tum of very pleasant weather. Two thunder SEPTEMBER. 185 showers, and part of a day and night there was steady rain, which was much needed, making in all that fell during the month two and a half inches. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 67. The weather during this month was very variable. On five days the mercury ranged from 84 to 89 ; on twelve days it was 80 at mid-day ; on seven days it was from 70 to 78 ; on nine days it ranged from 63 to 66 ; on one day it was 58, and one day only 53 at mid-day, and 40 at sunrise. A little rain fell on five days, making in all two inches. The wind was very variable. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 64. The month was cool, but it produced twenty fair and pleasant days. The mercury rose twice to 84 and once to 80. On thirteen days it could not get up to 70. The remaining days in the month varied from 70 to 76 at mid-day. Some rain fell on eight days, making in all two arid a half inches. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 67. It commenced warm, with the mercury at 83, but in the evening of the 1st a re-action took place, and by sunrise on the 2d, the mercury had sunk to 57. At sunrise on the 3d it was only 48 ; but on the 5th it rallied, and the mercury ran up to 88 at mid-day, and it continued warm and pleasant until the 12th, when the wind changed from south to north- east, and the mercury sunk to 60, and it rained powerfully for twelve hours to the joy of 186 SEPTEMBER. thousands, as it was very dry and rain was much needed. After this, the weather (with the exception of a few days) continued cool un- til the month closed. The quantity of rain that fell during the month was nine inches. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and it was a month of very uni- form and delightfully pleasant weather, there having been only four days during the whole month which could be denominated unpleasant. The quantity of rain which fell during the month was only three inches. The past sea- son was one of the most fruitful and pleasant, (in this latitude) which has occurred for many years. There was a brilliant display of north- ern lights during the night of the 3cl. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 60 ; it was rather cool, but a very pleasant month. There were twenty fine clear days ; eight in which a little rain fell, making in all two and a half inches ; and two days that were cloudy. The whole season was delight ful, producing a healthful and temperate atmos- phere, and very fruitful in every thing. But, " Touch'd by the breath of early frost, The foliage falls away; The loftiest and the fairest leaves Are destin'd to decay ! But like the blush on beauty's cheek, Spread by consumption's breath, The foliage, in its autumn tints, Is loveliest in DEATH !" 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 67. It is very uncommon to have SEPTEMBER. 187 so much mild, easterly weather in September as this month produced. Twenty days in suc- cession the wind was from the eastward, either the whole or a great part of the day, but on no day was it boisterous. The equinoctial storm spent itself before reaching the port of Phila- delphia. A very little rain, however, fell on eight days, making in all two inches. The first six days of the month were nearly as warm as mid-summer, the mercury ranging from 80 to 87. There was a thunder shower, with very vivid lightning on the 2d. The whole month was mild, pleasant and healthful in this lati- tude ; but it was far otherwise in South Caro- lina, Georgia, Alabama, New Orleans, &c., where they were deluged with repeated rain storms, which nearly destroyed the rice crops, &c., and the yellow fever prevailed to an awful degree in New Orleans. A paper from that city of the 17th of this month says, " the inter- ments yesterday were 52, principally by the yellow fever, and there is no diminution of the disease whatever. The mortality is awfully frightful." 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 64, and there were the extremes of autumnal heat and cold. From the 1st to the 14th the mercury varied from 76 to 88. On the 14th the wind changed from south to north- east, and the 17th to north-west, and the cold increased daily until the 23d, when the mer- cury at sunrise had sunk to 36 in this city, and in the country to 32, and ice was an eighth of an inch thick in many places. On the 28th it 188 SEPTEMBER. moderated and the mercury ran up to 76 at mid-day, on the last three days in the month. A very little rain fell on ten days, making in ail only one inch and a quarter. The wind was north-west either the whole or a part of fifteen days. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 68. It commenced and continued very warm until the 7th. On the 3d and 4th the mercury ran up to 90 at mid-day. On nine days during the month it was from 80 to 87. On eight days from 70 to 78 ; but there were two days in which it did not rise above 58 ; one day it was 60, and three days 66 during mid- day. On the evening of the 25th there was a thunder gust, and much thunder and lightning. Some rain fell on eight days, making in all four and three quarter inches. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 66, and it was uniformly warm from the 1st to the 22d. On thirteen of those days the mercury was from 80 to 88. On the 22d the wind changed from south to north, and it varied from north to north-east until the month closed, and the mercury varied from 44 to 72. There were twenty entirely clear days during the month. There was a heavy thunder gust in the evening of the 2d, and some rain fell on six days, the whole making four inches. On the 29th and 30th some snow fell in the inte- rior of Pennsylvania and New York, and in the New England states. Late accounts from Africa, state that the weather had been so in- tensely hot and dry, that many persons had SEPTEMBER. 189 perished. Also, the last accounts from St. He- lena states, that no rain had fallen there for fif- teen months, and that great distress prevailed. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 65. It commenced warm, the first four days varying from 80 to 83. On the 5th the wind changed from south to north-west, and the weather was uniformly mild until the 21st, when the wind changed to north, and the mercury sunk from three o'clock on the 21st to the next morning to 56, and it continued cool until the 28th, when the mercury rose to 70, and on the 29th and 30th to 74. There was a thunder gust on the 2d, and another on the 21st. A little rain fell on nine days, making in all two and a quarter inches. There were eighteen entirely clear days." 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 69 f, and it was more remarkable for heat and drought than any September month we can find on our record since 1804. The medium temperature of that month was 70, and this was 69 1; and there was only one quarter of an inch of rain fell during the whole month, and about the same quantity fell in Sep- tember, 1804. In September, 1846, the mer- cury rose to 90 on two days; to 88 on four days ; to 87 one day ; to 86 on four days ; and on six days it varied from 74 to 80. Twice during the month the wind suddenly changed from south-west to north-east, and the mercury sunk twenty degrees in a few hours. The last account from the state of Maine said, there had scarcely been rain enough there to lay the dust 17 190 SEPTEMBER. for eight weeks, and the weather had been very warm a great part of the time. After the vio- lent north-east gale of the 8th and 9th of this month, accounts were received from the south and the east of many shipwrecks on the coast. Also, of vessels dismasted and otherwise crip- pled, &c. The Great Western steamship, on her passage from Liverpool to New York, came very near being lost. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE MONTH <M? OCTOBER. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 50, and the weather was very va- riable. Sometimes mild and pleasant, and anon cloudy, chilly, damp and rainy, and then clear with a cold, north-west wind and frosty nights. After several cool days the wind wested, and several mild and pleasant days ensued. The wind then changed to east again and more rain fell, and thus the weather alternated until the month closed. About four inches of rain fell during the month. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 52, and it produced much pleasant weather and some very frosty nights, as well as a few rainy days. A few flakes of snow indi- cated that winter was approaching. About three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 50. It commenced and continued mild until the 7th, when some rain fell and the wind changed to north-west, and the mercury 192 OCTOBER. sunk to 36, and some frosty nights ensued. On the 15th the wind changed to west, arid on the 16th to south-west, and it was mild and plea- sant until the 22d, when the wind changed to north-east, and the remainder of the month was cold and some rain fell. About two and three quarter inches fell during the month. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 64. During the first three weeks it was excessively warm and dry for October, and many died with fever. On five days the mercury ran up to 86, and on ten days from 76 to 78 at mid-day. It afterwards grew gradually cooler, and during the fourth week, water, in exposed situations, froze from an eighth to a quarter of an inch thick. About two inches of rain fell during the month. The wind was very variable. During the months of August, September -and October, the newspapers said, that between 3 and 4000 persons died of the yellow fever, viz. in August 500, September 1400, and October 1400 and 10 physicians. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 50, and there were many mild and pleasant days, and about as many chilly, cloudy, unpleasant ones, and more or less rain fell on nine days, making in all four and a half inches. At sunrise on one morning the mercury sunk to 28, and on three mornings to 32. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 52; it commenced and continued mild and pleasant until the llth, when the wind changed to east, and it was damp arid OCTOBER. 193 drizzly until the 14th, when the wind changed to north-west, and the days were cool and nights frosty until the 20th. The wind then wested, and the weather was mild until the 26th, when it changed to north-east, and it was chilly and damp until the month closed. About three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 50: during the month there were * O many fair and pleasant days, but very cool and frosty nights. There was thin ice on eleven mornings, and some rain fell on five days, mak- ing in all about four inches. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 55 ; and in the first two weeks there was much mild and very pleasant weather, but the last two were variable, being damp, chilly and rainy. Sometimes a cool north-wester, with frosty nights; and sometimes mild and pleasant. About three inches of rain fell dur- ing the month. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 55, and during the month there were several quite warm and pleasant days, with the mercury 70 at mid-day; and ten days it varied from 66 to 68. On several days the wind was from north to east, and more or less rain fell on nine days, making in all about six inches. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 54 ; and the weather was alternate- ly mild and pleasant, and then much cooler ; 17* 194 OCTOBER. and anon, overcast, damp and rainy. The wind also was very variable. More or less rain fell on ten days, making in all about six and a half inches. 1SOO. The medium temperature of this month was 52. The first five days were warm and pleasant; after which the wind changed to north-east, and considerable rain fell. It then cleared to cool, with the wind north-west, and some frosty nights followed. The wind then changed to south-west, and five mild and plea- sant days ensued. From the 20th to the end of the month the wind varied from north to south-east, and it rained copiously on several days, making in all that fell during the month, about seven inches. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 53 ; and the first week was very warm. On the 1st the mercury was 70. On the 2d, 67. On the 3d, 75, and on the 4th, 68, at mid-day, in the shade. On the 6th the w T ind changed to north-east, and it was cool, damp and drizzly until the 10th, when the wind changed to north-west, and it was clear and cool, with frosty nights, until the 17th, when the wind changed to south-west, and a week of very pleasant weather ensued. The wind then changed to north-east, and it was cool, damp, and sometimes rainy, until the month closed. About three inches of rain fell during the month. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 54 ; and the first four days were OCTOBER. 195 very warm ; the mercury ranging from 68 to 74, at mid-day. On the 5th the wind changed to north-wesj, and it was clear and cool until the 12th, when it changed to north-east, and some rain fell, after which the wind changed to west, and it was pleasant the remainder of the month. Some rain fell on six days, making in all about four and a half inches. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and a great proportion of the month was very mild and pleasant. The mer- cury rose to 70 twice at mid-day ; and it sunk to the freezing point three times between day- break and sunrise. The wind was from north- east to east seven days, and some rain fell on four days, making in all about three and three quarter inches. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 55, and it produced many mild and pleasant days, and some that were cloudy, damp and cool ; and on ten days, more or less rain fell, making in all about six and a half inches. During the month, the wind changed to almost every point of the compass. On the 9th Oct. there was an awful and destructive storm at Boston, &c., in which the Hallowell Packet was lost on Cape Porpoise, and twenty passengers perished, among whom was Dr. Appleton, wife and child, and eleven ladies be- longing to Boston. A number of other vessels were lost during the same storm. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 52; and the first two days were 196 OCTOBER. cool, with the wind at north-west; but in the evening of the 2d, it changed to south-west ; on the 3d and 4th the mercury ran up to 72 and 74 in the shade, at mid-day. On the 5th the wind changed to north-east, and a cold, damp atmosphere ensued for several days, when the wind changed east, and it rained part of a day and night. On the llth it cleared cool, with the wind north-west, and the nights were very frosty until the 17th, when the wind changed to south-west, and five days of mild, pleasant weather ensued. On the 22d it changed to north-east, and the remainder of the month was damp, chilly and rainy part of the time. About five and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 55, and there was many very mild and pleasant days ; but, as usual in this month, there were some cool days and frosty nights, and some easterly damp weather. The wind varied from west to east several times, and some rain fell on six days, making in all about four inches. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and it was indeed a month of splendid weather. On four days the mercury rose to 70 and above; and ten days it ranged from 63 to 68 at mid-day. The wind was west and south-west fifteen days, and north-west five days. Some rain fell on five days, making in all about three inches. 1808. The medium temperature of this OCTOBER. 197 month was 53. Although there were several mild and pleasant days during this month, there were more cool days and frosty nights than usual. North-east winds prevailed more than two weeks, and some rain fell on eight days, making in all nearly five inches. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 54, and it produced some very rainy, and some very pleasant days. The wind varied during the month from south-west to east, and rain fell on seven days, making in all six and a quarter inches. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and it produced its full quantum of mild and pleasant weather. On two days the mercury ran up to 70, and on twelve days it varied from 62 to 68 at mid-day. It con- tinued mild until the 23d, when the wind changed to north-east, and the remainder of the month was very cool, damp and chilly, and considerable rain fell, making in all about four inches. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 55. This month commenced unu- sually pleasant, and so continued until the llth, when the wind suddenly changed to north-east, and for one week it was a sad reverse. After that the wind wested again, and it was delight- fully pleasant until the 25th, when the wind changed to east, and the weather was unsettled, (and part of the time rainy,) until the month closed. The quantity of rain which fell during the month was three and a half inches. 198 OCTOBER. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 56. It commenced cool, with the wind north-west, but on the 4th it changed to south-west, and two weeks of mild and splendid weather followed. It then changed to north- east, and some rain fell on two days, making in all that fell during the month, about three inches. The month ended clear and cool. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 54. The weather during the month, was more variable than usual for October. It was both warm and cool, and some rain fell on eight days, making in all nearly six inches. On several days the wind was quite boisterous. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 55. It commenced mild and plea- sant, with the wind west. On the 7th the wind changed to north-east, and it was quite cool until the 12th, when it changed to east, and considerable rain fell; after which it clear- ed cool, with the wind north, and there was thin ice on several mornings. On the 19th the wind wested, and it was very mild until the 25th, when the wind changed to north-east, and it was very chilly and damp for several days. About four inches of rain fell during the month. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 57, and it was remarkably mild and pleasant a great part of the time until the 20th, when the wind changed to north-east, and some rain fell; after which it cleared quite cool and frostv, and so continued until the month closed. J ' During the former part of the month, the mer- OCTOBER. 19'9 cury rose to 70 and above, on five days, and on eleven days it varied from 62 to 68. About three inches of rain fell during the month. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 52, and it produced more than its usual quantity of cool days and very frosty nights. On several mornings ice was a quar- ter of an inch thick. There was, however, one week of very mild and pleasant weather with a balmy south-west wind. About two and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It was mild and pleasant until past the middle of the month, when a week of wet, easterly weather ensued; it however be- came mild and pleasant again, and the month closed with a good character. About four inches of rain fell during the month. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and it produced much very mild and pleasant weather, interspersed with some cool, damp, and rainy days. The mercury ran up to 70 twice at mid-day, and it was from 64 to 68 on several days. About three and a half inches of rain fell. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 54, and as usual there were many mild and pleasant days, and others that were cool and frosty, and also some that were over- cast, damp, and rainy. About two inches of rain fell during the month. 1820. The medium temperature of this 200 OCTOBER. month was 56. It commenced and continued pleasant and mild until the 13th, when the wind changed to east, and overcast, chilly and wet weather followed until the 20th, when the wind took a westerly direction, and it was very mild during the residue of the month. Some rain fell on five days, making* in all about two and three quarter inches. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 55, and it produced many mild and very pleasant days, particularly during the first two weeks. From the 15th to the close of the month the weather was very variable, being al- ternately cloudy, overcast, chilly, drizzly, rainy, clear, mild, cold and frosty. About three inches of rain fell during the month. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 53, and it was cooler, and more rain fell than usual during the month, making in all about five inches. There were, however, some very mild and pleasant days, interspersed with those that were unpleasant. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 55. It commenced cool with the wind at north-east, but it changed to west on the 5th, and nearly two weeks of mild and pleasant weather ensued. On the 17th the wind changed to north-east, and it was over- cast, cool, and rainy until the 21st, when the wind wested, and the weather was again mild and pleasant until the 28th, when the wind changed to north-west, and it was quite cool and frosty until the month closed. About three OCTOBER. 201 inches and a quarter of rain fell during the month. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It commenced cool and plea- sant with the wind at north-west, but it changed to south-west on the 4th, and ten days of very mild and pleasant weather followed, when the wind changed to north-east, and it was cool, clamp, and rainy until the 20th, when it cleared cool and frosty for a few days, after which the wind wested and the month closed mild and pleasant. About three inches of rain fell dui- ing the month. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 56. It commenced cool, cloudy and damp, and some rain fell on the 4th, after which the wind wested, and nearly three weeks of mild and splendid weather followed. On the 23d the wind changed to north-east, and it became very cool and damp, and so continued until the 27th, when it rained, after which it cleared cool. Only one inch and a quarter of rain fell during the month in this vicinity. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 52, and it commenced and contin- ued pleasant until the llth, when the wind changed to north-east, and it was cool and damp, and some rain fell on the 12th and 13th, after which the wind wested and some mild and pleasant weather followed until the 19th, when the wind changed to east, and it rained part of the 19th, 20th and 21st, after which it was clear and frosty until the 28th, with the 202 OCTOBER. wind at north-west. More rain fell on the 29th, making in all that fell during the month, a fraction over six inches. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was only 46, and it was the coldest month of October we have upon our record. It rained, it snowed, it hailed and it froze water in shallow ponds hard enough to bear a stout man. In the vicinity of Philadelphia it was more than half an inch thick, and at the north and east it was said to be an inch and a half thick. It was also very cold far to the west and south, and mariners on the coast reported on their arrival that they rarely ever experi- enced more severe weather in mid-winter. The wind was from the north and east a great part of the month. Some rain fell on the 2d, 9th, 10th, 14th, 22d and 30th, making six inches. On some days a little snow fell here ; several inches of snow fell in the interior of New York, Vermont and in the eastern states. In Upper Canada it was published as being a foot deep, and good sleighing. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and it was a very warm month compared with the corresponding month of last year. It commenced damp and overcast, and a very little rain fell on the 1st and 5th, with the wind east, but on the 6th the wind changed to west and two weeks of mild and pleasant weather followed. On the 19th a little more rain fell, after which pleasant weather ensued until the 28th, when a little more rain fell, OCTOBER. 203 making in all that fell during the month, only one inch and a half. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and there were many very mild and pleasant days, notwithstanding some rain fell on five days, making in all two and a quar- ter inches. The wind was very variable, but not boisterous. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It commenced and continued mild and pleasant until the 9th, when the wind changed to north-east, and it was overcast and cool until the 15th, and some rain fell on the 9th, 12th and 14th, after which it was pleasant until the 20th, when more rain fell, and it clear- ed cool and frosty with wind north-west, and so continued until the month closed. Four inches of rain fell during the month. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 55. It was mild and pleasant until the 10th, when the wind changed to north-east and some rain fell on the 10th and 12th, after which it was mild and pleasant until the 23d, when the wind again changed to north-east, and it was partly cloudy, chilly and damp until the month closed. More rain fell on the 24th and 29th, making in all that fell during the month four inches. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 57. Although some rain fell on seven days during this month, yet between the days in which it fell, there was much mild and splendid weather. No severe storm occurred '-204 OCTOBER. during the month, but the rain that fell de- scended in showers. All that fell during the month was three and a half inches. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and it was a mild, but wet month. There were two old-fashioned north-east rain storms, and in addition thereto rain fell on five other days, making in all ten inches, and yet there were a goodly number of very mild and pleasant days. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 56, which is the same as the cor- responding month of last year, but the quantity of rain that fell was very small compared with that month, as only three and a quarter inches fell, and there were a greater number of mild and pleasant days. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 54. It was not so mild and plea- sant as the two previous October months, as it had more dry northerly winds to contend with. Only one inch and a quarter of rain fell during the whole month. It gave more clear days, but they were cool and chilly. A Yarmouth, Mass, paper, gives the names of 62 men belong- ing to Truro, who perished in the gale of this month, on their homeward passage, 27 of whom left widows, and 35 were young men. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 49, and north-west and easterly winds prevailed either the whole or a part of twenty-two days. It rained on five days, dur- OCTOBER. 205 ing which three and a half inches fell. On two days the wind southed, and the mercury ran up to 70 at mid-day ; and on seven days the mercury varied from 60 to 66. On the other hand, while the wind was at north-west and north, the mercury did not rise above 47 at mid-day for eight days. On one of those days, it only rose to 43 at mid-day, and during the night it sunk to 20, which is 12 degrees below the freezing point. This was the cold- est October night that we have on our record. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 54 ; and it was very warm and very cool, alternately. On nine days, (not in suc- cession,) the mercury rose to 70 and above. On three of those days it rose to 76 at mid-day. On eight days, the mercury varied from 62 to 68. But on the other hand, it was from 44 to 48 only, on three mid-days. On eleven days, it varied from 50 to 60 at mid-day. On seven nights there was frost ; and on three mornings there was ice as thick as window-glass. Dur- ing the whole or a part of fourteen days, the wind was from the north-west. Ten days it was from west to south. The remaining days it varied from north to south-east. Some rain fell on five days, making in all only three quar- ters of an inch. A succession of violent gales were experien- ced, both on the sea and on the land, during this and the previous month, which occasioned many disasters, the most appalling of which was the loss of the steam-packet Home, in which more than one hundred valuable lives 18* ^06 O C T O B E R. were lost. Several other vessels were lost dur- ing the same storm. It is worthy of record, that while other latitudes were visited with boisterous weather during the past three months, in this latitude there was scarcely wind enough to fill the sails of vessels passing up and down the Delaware, from May to Octo- ber, and the weather was very mild. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 50, and there were more easterly winds and wet weather than usual. On eleven days some rain fell, making in all five inches. The wind was from north to east, a great part of the month. On six mornings there w^as frost, and thin ice in the country on two mornings.. On the llth, part of the Alleghany mountains were covered with snow, and on the 31st, snow fell to the depth of ten inches in the interior of Pennsylvania and New York. On the 31st there were two smart snow squalls in this city, and the wind blew violently from the north- west from ten in the morning until sunset. O Violent gales of wind were experienced off Cape Florida arid elsewhere, and many vessels and lives were lost. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 56, and from the 1st to the 19th of the month, it was remarkably mild and plea- sant. On the 19th there was a north-east rain storm, but on the 20th it cleared cool, and so continued until the month closed. During the first three weeks, it was so mild, that on seven days the mercury varied from 70 to 75 at mid- day ; and on sixteen days it was from 60 to 67. OCTOBER. 207 Some rain fell on six days, making in all three inches. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 54. On the first day, the mercury was 76 at two o'clock, which is summer heat. On four other days it was from 70 to 75 during mid-day ; and on thirteen other days, it varied from 60 to 68 at mid-day. On eleven days it was from 50 to 58 ; and on three days from 42 to 45 at mid-day. On the 26th and 27th, at sunrise, the mercury^was 29, which is 3 below the freezing point, and ice was nearly half an inch thick. Therefore, this month produced both a winter and a summer atmosphere. On six mornings there was frost. On eleven days a little rain fell, and on one day there was a north-east rain storm ; making in all that fell during the month, five and three quarter inches. On the 25th, snow fell in Connecticut to the depth of six inches, and in Worcester, (Mass.) there was good sleighing. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 50, and there was much cold, dry, windy weather. But once did the mercury rise so high as 68 at mid-day. On one morn- ing it was as low as 28. Six mornings it was from 34 to 36. Sixteen mornings it was from 40 to 48, and during mid-day from 50 to 60. North and north-west winds prevailed during the whole or a part of twenty days. There was a north-east rain storm on the 3d, and a little rain fell on four other days, making in all three and a quarter inches. The violent north- east storm of the 3d, extended from east to west, 208 OCTOBER. and from north to south, and upon the ocean, doing immense damage. More than one hun- dred vessels were lost, and many poor mariners perished. It was estimated, that property in vessels and goods was destroyed to the amount of two millions of dollars. The storm at New Brunswick, N. J., was very furious, and rain fell in torrents, mingled with snow and hail. In New York city the rain poured, and the wind blew a complete gale all day and night, carrying away awnings ajad branches of trees like feathers, and doing much damage to the shipping at the wharves and in the harbour. At New Haven and further east, much damage was also done. There were between forty and fifty vessels lost on Cape Cod, and most of their crews, numbering more than three hundred that were lost. Fifty dead bodies were washed or drifted on shore. From forty to fifty vessels, (principally fishing schooners,) owned in Glou- cester and Marblehead, were lost, with a part of their crews. Much damage was also sus- tained by vessels at Halifax, Quebec, &c. Such a severe and destructive storm had not occurred on the American coast for many years. There were both hail storms and snow storms during the month, at Utica, Geneva, Buffalo, &c., in New York State, and also in the interior of Pennsylvania, &c., &c. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 53 ; and with a very few exceptions, the weather was mild and pleasant during the whole month, in this vicinity. On five days the mercury rose to 70 arid above, at mid-day. OCTOBER. 209 On two days it rose to 74. On fourteen days it varied from 60 to 68. There were only six frosty mornings during the month. A little rain fell on five days, making in all one and three quarter inches. While we were so highly favoured in this latitude with mild and pleasant weather, violent gales and storms were expe- rienced at South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Mississippi river, at Pensacola, Galveston, &c.; great damage was done to vessels on the coast and in ports. The brig Cuba, from Galveston for New York, with a number of male and female passengers, was lost in a violent gale, and all on board perished, and several other vessels were supposed to have been lost in the same gale, as nothing was heard of them afterwards. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 52 ; and it was indeed a pleasant month in this latitude. There were twenty- two fair and pleasant days* three that were cloudy ; and six in which some rain fell, mak- ing in all three and a quarter inches. The mercury was from 70 to 72 on three days, and on twelve days it was from 60 to 68 at mid- day. The mercury, at sunrise, was only once as low as 32. In other latitudes this side the equator, the weather was very different from that experienced in this latitude. During the storm and flood at Port Leon, (Florida,) every house but three were sw T ept away. At St. Marks, (Florida,) several buildings were swept away, and several lives were lost at both places. During the storm on the 7th and 8th, such tor- 210 OCTOBER. rents of rain fell in Massachusetts, bordering on trie Connecticut river, as to cause a rise in the river of eighteen feet, which did great dam- age. This storm, which continued for two days east of New York, was very boisterous, and the steamboats in the Sound received so much damage, they had to put into harbours. The steamboat Victor, and several other vessels, were blown ashore. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 53 ; during which there was much cloudy, overcast, stormy, and unpleasant wea- ther in this latitude, which is very unusual. The wind blew from the north, north-east, and east, either the whole or a part of nineteen days, and several days were very stormy ; but there were a few that were very pleasant and warm. Some rain fell on twelve days, making in all five inches. On four days the mercury rose to 70, and on seven it varied from 64 to 68. There were slight^frosts on eight mornings, and in the country the're was thin ice on two morn- ings. Numerous gales of wind were experien- ced by vessels at sea and on the coast ; also in the Gulf of Mexico, at Key West, &c. Awful and destructive gales were also experienced on the Lakes, and great damage was sustained by vessels, and many lives were lost, 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 56. The weather during the first two weeks, was very variable. Part of the time it was cloudy, overcast, foggy and rainy. Two days it was clear, and on six days some rain fell. The remainder of the month was OCTOBER. 211 generally pleasant, but several days were quite cool. Four mornings were a little frosty, and on two others there was thin ice, with the mer- cury at thirty. On ten days the mercury was 70 and above, during mid-day ; on two of those days it was 74, and on one 78. On seven mid- days it varied from 50 to 59. On eight days it was 42 to 48, at mid-day. Two and a half inches of rain fell during the month. On the 12th, while it rained in Pennsylvania, snow was falling in the interior of New York, and in Vermont, and also in Upper Canada. Owing to the torrents of rain that fell from the 5th to the 13th of the month, at the south, the Ala-: bama river rose twenty feet higher than usual. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 55, and it was a remarkably plea- sant month. It commenced with the summer temperature of 76, and continued fair and mild until the 13th, when a south-east rain storm occupied one whole day, after which it cleared mild and pleasant, and so continued in this lati- tude, until the month closed. Only two inches of rain fell in this city during the whole month, and there were twenty-four fair and pleasant days. Although the weather was so uncom- monly pleasant in this latitude during the whole month, (with the exception of the 13th,) there were violent and destructive storms on the llth, 12th, and 13th, in the Gulf of Mexico, at Key West, at Havana, and various other places at the south, the west, the north, and the east, and an immense amount of property was destroyed both on the land and sea. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, TOR THE MOIfTH OF NOVEMBER. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 40; during which there was rain, hail, and snow, and alternately some mild and some very cold days. Rain fell on seven days, making in all about six inches, and about four inches of snow fell. The month closed very cold. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 41. It commenced cool and frosty, with the wind north-west. On the 7th the wind wested, and it was mild and pleasant until the 13th, when it changed to north-east, and a little snow fell, which was soon followed by rain. On the 15th the wind changed to north- west, and blew very fresh and cold, and the nights that succeeded were very cold until the 20th, and considerable ice was made. On the 21st the wind changed to north-east, and more snow and rain fell; after which the weather cleared mild, with a westerly wind, and it con- tinued mild until the month closed. About four inches of rain and two inches of snow fell during the month. NOVEMBER. 213 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 40 ; during which there was much mild and pleasant weather, for a November month, but when a re-action took place it was severely cold. After the 20th the weather was very variable, and it rained and snowed on seve- ral days, and there was no more settled wea- ther during the month. About five inches of rain fell during the month. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 38. After the previous very warm months, it was not surprising that the weather should be very cold, as generally one extreme succeeds another. The prevailing winds were north-west and north-east. Snow, as well as rain, fell on several days. There were a few days of sleighing. But generally, in this vicini- ty, after a fall of snow, the weather soon mode- rates and rain follows.- This is more particu- larly the case the first commencement of cold weather. About six inches of snow, and four and a half inches of rain fell during the month. There was much boisterous weather on the sea coast, and several marine disasters. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and like almost all other No- vember months the weather was very variable. During a part of the month it was mild and pleasant, and anon very cold and boisterous, and some snow and rain fell ; making in all two inches of snow and five of rain. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 41. It commenced damp and 19 214 NOVEMBER. drizzly, with the wind north-east. On the 3d the wind wested, and a week of mild and plea- sant w r eather ensued, after which the wind changed to north-east and some rain fell, when it cleared cool with a north-west wind, and it continued cold and very frosty until the 16th, when some easterly, \vet weather ensued. On the 24th it cleared with a cold north-west wind, which continued until the month closed. About five inches of rain fell during the month. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 43, and a great part of the month was clear, splendid weather. Some rain fell on five days, making in all about three and a half inches. There was also a few flakes of snow fell in this city, but at the north and east there was some sleighing. On the 26th a great fire occurred at Savannah, Georgia, in which 229 houses were burnt.. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and the weather was very va- riable. The second week, however, was very mild and pleasant ; during the other parts of the month there were rain storms and snow storms, and much cold, cloudy and overcast weather. About four and a half inches of rain and two inches of snow fell during the month. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and the first ten days were clear, cool and pleasant, with the wind at north-west. It afterwards changed to south-west, and a week of very mild w r eather ensued. It then changed to north-east and a storm gathered, and it rain- NOVEMBER. 215 ed copiously for part of two days. On the 18th it cleared cool with the wind at north-west. On the 26th the wind again changed to north- east and more rain fell, making in all that fell during the month six and a half inches. 1799. The medium temperature of this month was 42. It commenced clear and mild, with the wind at south-west, but on the 8th it rained copiously. It afterwards cleared with a cold north-wester. On the 17th the wind again changed to west, and several mild and pleasant days followed. The wind then south- ed and a warm rain ensued, after which the wind changed to north-west, and the remainder of the month was quite cold and frosty. Some rain fell on eight days, making in all nearly six inches. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 41. The first week was cool, fair and frosty, with the wind north-west ; the se- cond week was mild and pleasant, with the wind south-west, after which it was overcast, cloudy and rainy for several days. During the remainder of the month the weather was very unsettled ; being sometimes clear and cool, and at other times overcast and rainy, with some flirts of snow. About five inches of rain fell. While it rained in Pennsylvania, it snowed at the north and east. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 43, and the weather was cool and frosty during the first week, with wind north- west ; the second week was mild and very 216 NOVEMBER. pleasant, with the wind at south-west ; after which the wind changed to north-east, and it was cool and rainy for several days. On the 16th the wind wested and the weather was mild until the 23d, when some snow and rain fell, and the remainder of the month the wea- ther was very unsettled. About seven inches of rain, and two inches of snow fell. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 44. The first week was very mild and pleasant with the wind south-west, after which the wind changed to north-east, and it was cool, overcast and rainy during the second week ; the third week was clear, cold and frosty, with the wind north-west. The remain- der of the month was mild and pleasant, with the wind varying from west to south-west. A great part of the month was mild and pleasant. About three and a half inches of rain fell. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 46, and it produced some very mild and pleasant, with some cloudy and rainy wea- ther. There was very little frost during the month. The wind was west and south-west more than half the month. During the re- mainder of the month the wind was very va- riable. About four and a quarter inches of rain fell during the month. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 44, during which there were eleven entirely clear and splendid days ; eleven that were partly cloudy and partly clear ; and eight in which some rain fell, making in all that fell NOVEMBER. 217 during the month, about five and a half inches. The wind during the month varied from north to west, and south-west. There was frost on six mornings and ice on two. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 44, and the wind and weather were very variable. During the month some rain fell on thirteen days, making in all about nine inches. There were several very mild and pleasant days, and some that were very cold and frosty. On the 8th and 9th of this month an awful and destructive storm \vas experienced in the British channel, during which many vessels and several hundred lives were lost. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 45, and the first twelve days were mild and very pleasant, after which the wind changed to north-east and a rain storm ensued. The wind then changed to north-west, and a week of cold, frosty weather followed. The wind again changed to north-east and more rain fell. The weather during the residue of the month was very unsettled, but it was cold and frosty most of the time. About five inches of rain fell during the month, and a few flakes of snow. 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 44, and it produced its full quan- tum of mild and pleasant weather, with a few rainy days and some flakes of snow, all of which received a hearty welcome, as the rain was much needed, and the snow warned us that w r inter was near at hand and to be prepared for it. 19* 218 NOVEMBER. About four inches of rain fell during the month. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and it produced much cold, wintry weather, with some snow storms and rain storms. But notwithstanding these un- pleasant visitations, old Sol gave us some cheer- ing and pleasant days occasionally. About three inches of rain, and three inches of snow fell during the month. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 43. It commenced and continued mild and pleasant until the llth, when the wind changed to north-east, and a rain storm soon followed, after which the weather remain- ed unsettled until the 17th, when the wind changed to north-west, and there was a freezing atmosphere for several nights. The wind then wested, and mild, pleasant weather ensued un- til the 26th, when there was a north-east snow and rain storm, and freezing weather followed until the month closed. About six inches of rain and two inches of snow fell during the month. 1810. The medium temperature of this month was 45. During the first two weeks there was much very mild and pleasant wea- ther, with some rainy days. West and south- west winds prevailed until the 14th, after which the wind changed to east, and a week of damp, chilly weather ensued, when the wind changed to north-west, and the weather was quite cold NOVEMBER. 219 and some snow fell. About two inches of snow and five inches of rain fell during the month. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 43, and although there were some very pleasant, mild days, yet the weather was very variable a great part of the month. It rained, it hailed, it snowed, it froze and it thawed, and it was overcast, clear, cloudy, windy and calm. About six inches of rain, and three inches of snow fell during the month ; and the wind changed to almost every point of the compass. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 47, and it produced twenty-one mild, and pleasant days. On the 24th a terri- ble hurricane passed over Philadelphia, and blew down several buildings and unroofed others. The privateer Rattlesnake was sunk at New Castle, and sixteen officers and men perished. Some rain fell on five days, making in all about three and a quarter inches, and a few flakes of snow fell on two days. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 44, and the first week was mild and pleasant ; but on the 7th the wind changed to east, and rain fell on the 8th and 9th, after which it cleared cold and some very frosty nights followed. On the 17th the wind wested, and a week of pleasant weather ensued. On the 23d the wind changed to north-east and the remainder of the month was quite cool, damp, rainy, snowy and frosty. About five inches of rain and two inches of snow fell during the 220 NOVEMBER. month. On the 12th there was a very de- structive gale at Halifax, N. S., and several vessels and many lives were lost. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 45, and it produced much mild and pleasant weather, interspersed with some rainy days, and a few flirts of snow, and frosty nights. From the 18th to the end of the month some rain and a little snow fell. On the 28th it cleared very cold with a north-west wind. During the month about four inches of rain, and one inch of snow fell. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 42, and it commenced quite cool and frosty, with the wind at north-west. On the 4th the wind wested, and it was mild and pleasant until the 12th, when the wind changed to north-east and considerable rain fell. On the 16th it changed to north-west, and it was windy by day and very frosty by night until the 21st, when the wind again changed to north-east, and about two inches of snow fell, after which it rained nearly all day and night ; it then cleared cold and very slippery, and so continued until the month closed. Nearly six inches of rain fell during the month, and snow as mentioned above. 1816. The medium temperature of this month was 41. This was indeed a cold blus- tering month, and there was rain storms and snow storms; cold north-west and north-east winds, with a few balmy westerly breezes, and mild days. About six inches of rain and four NOVEMBER. 221 inches of snow fell, which made some sleighin in the country, but very little in the city, froze very hard several nights, and some days were cold enough to sit by a good fire. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 45, and the first two weeks were as mild and pleasant as October, but on the eve of the 14th a great re-action took place ; the wind changed to north-east, and a rain storm followed, mingled with some snow. On the 16th it cleared with a cold north-wester, which produced some frosty nights. On the 21st the wind wested, and a few mild days ensued ; but on the 25th the wind changed to north-east, which produced more rain and snow, and the month closed cold. About five and a half inches of rain and two inches of snow fell dur- ing the month. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 43, and the weather during the month was quite variable ; sometimes it was mild and pleasant, and then cold and frosty, with snow squalls. The wind then changed to east, and rain soon followed, and the month closed cold. Nearly six inches of rain, and about two inches of snow fell. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 44, and the weather was about equally divided between mild and pleasant, and cool, cloudy, damp, rainy, &c., and the wind was variable, from north to east, and west to south. On one day there were some snow 222 NOVEMBER. squalls, and on five days more or less rain fell, making in all about two and a half inches. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 45, and it produced its full quantum of mild and pleasant weather; but there were some cool days and frosty nights, with two easterly rain storms, and about one inch of snow. Nearly five inches of rain fell during the month. 1821. The medium temperature of this month was 41, and it may be recorded as hav- ing been a stormy, windy, squally, cold month ; although there were some clear and pleasant days, and it would have been very strange had there not been. There were three snow storms, which were accompanied with high winds, and considerable rain fell during the month, in all about four inches, and four inches of snow. Several marine disasters occurred on the coast. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 42, and the first week was mild and pleasant, but it was succeeded by a very cold and frosty one. After which the wind changed to north-east, and a rain storm followed, min- gled with snow, which made very sloppy and slippery walking, but it soon froze hard, and cleared quite cold enough for three or four days, when the wind wested, and the month closed mild and pleasant. About four and a half inches of rain and two inches of snow fell during the month. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 46, and there was more mild and N O V E M U E It. 223 pleasant weather than usual, for a November month ; but its rain storms, with easterly winds, were not forgotten. Neither did the month close without its cold north-wester, and some frosty nights, with a few snow squalls. But on the whole, it was a -pleasant month in this lati- tude. At the north and east, the newspapers did not give the month so good a character as we have done. About six inches of rain fell in this vicinity during the month. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 44 ; and the first ten days were tol- erably mild and pleasant; after which the wind changed to north-east, and a rain storm followed soon afterwards. It cleared on the 14th with a cold north-wester, and some very frosty nights ensued. On the 20th the wind changed again to north-east, and about three inches of snow fell, which was followed by a powerful rain ; after which it cleared cold, with a brisk north-west wind, with which the month closed. About six inches of rain fell during the month. J825. The medium temperature of this month was 44, and it produced a great deal of clear and pleasant weather. Also, some that was cold and very frosty. Very little rain fell on the 14th and 30th, making in all that fell during the month, only one and a half inches; and a few flakes of snow on one day. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 43, and it commenced overcast, with some rain. It was then clear until the 7th, when a little more rain fell. After which it 224 NOVEMBER. was clear until the 17th, when it rained again. It was then fair until the 26th, when a little more rain fell ; making in all that fell during the month, only two inches. There was both mild and frosty weather ; and there were a few nights in which ice formed -a quarter of an inch thick. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 38, during which there was much cold and stormy weather. Rain fell on six days, and some snow on three days, making in all of rain four and three quarter inches, and about four inches of snow. There was much frosty weather, and some nights ice formed an half inch thick. Mariners on the coast suffer- ed much from the severity of the weather, and there were several marine disasters. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 42, during which there was much pleasant weather, notwithstanding rain fell on eight days, making in all six and three quarter inches. The wind was variable, from north to south and east to west, but not long at one point at a time. The mercury during the month varied from 28 to 70. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 44. It commenced damp and drizz- ly with the wind east. On the 2d the wind wested, and with the exception of one day, it was very mild and pleasant until the 10th, when the wind changed to east and some rain fell. Some rain also fell on the 14th, L7th, 23d, 26th and 30th, making in all that fell dur- NOVEMBER. 225 ing the month four inches. Some of the inter- mediate days (when it did not rain) were very pleasant arid mild. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and it was a cool, damp month. Rain fell on seven days, making in all five and a quarter inches. Easterly winds prevailed very much and a little snow fell on two days. The wind blew very cool from north-west on four or five days and at night it froze very hard. There were several very mild days, with wind varying from west to south-west ; but a ma- jority of the month was cool and damp. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 42. It commenced and continued mild and pleasant (Indian summer-like) until the llth, with the wind varying from west to south. But on the 1 1th the wind changed to east and some rain fell, when it changed to north-west, and it was cool and frosty until the 19th, then the wind changed to north-east, and it was damp and overcast until the 22d, when more rain fell, and the wind wested and it was mild until the 27th ; after which the wind changed to north-west and the month ended cold. Some rain fell on four days, making in all two inches. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and it was quite a cool, winter- like month. After the first few days, which were rather mild, the wind was cool and va- riable, from north-west to north and north-east. Some rain and snow fell on the 19th, after 20 226 NOVEMBER. which the weather remained unsettled with the wind at north-east until the 23d, when a severe rain storm occurred during the night, after which it cleared quite cool, and so continued until the month closed. Two and a half inches of rain fell during the month. 1833. The medium temperature of this month was 44, and it was indeed a month of splendid weather. Rain fell on four days only, making in all two inches. During the first three weeks it rained but once, and it was mostly mild and pleasant. From the 22d to the close of the month the weather was very variable, and some rain fell on the 22d, 25th and 30th. On the morning of the 13th of this month, there appeared one of the most remarkable and splendid phenomenas we ever remember to have seen. It commenced about four o'clock and continued until daylight. There appeared to be a shower of stars, as thick as snow usually descends, making a brilliant light of millions of shooting stars. At first they descended per- pendicularly, and afterwards in every direction as though blown by a strong eddy or current of wind ; sometimes larger and more brilliant stars descended, producing a much greater light and more brilliant appearance. It con- tinued as above stated until day-light, or about six o'clock. We witnessed the whole from the beginning to the end, and never saw any thing so splendid and wonderful. This extra- ordinary phenomenon extended all over the United States and many leagues at sea, as the same was reported by mariners who arrived several days afterwards. NOVEMBER. 227 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 43, and although some rain fell on six days, yet there was much mild and plea- sant weather, with a few days that were quite cool and frosty. The whole rain which fell during the month was only three inches. There were two little flurries of snow. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 44, and it was a weeping month, but she did not weep sorely until the 23d, when she made a great ado, and her tears flowed in tor- rents during a whole day and part of a night. She previously wept a little on the 6th, 9th, llth and 16th. At the close of the month her tears measured three and a quarter inches. On the 27th about two inches of snow fell. There were interspersed through the month some cheerful and pleasant days, and before it closed her tears were all wiped away. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 41, and it was very boisterous, al- though there were twelve tolerably pleasant days. Some rain fell on eight days, and there were snow squalls on the 24th, 25th and 28th. From the 24th to the close of the month, it was very cold arid wintry. The quantity of rain which fell during the month was three and a quarter inches, and about one inch and a quar- ter of snow. All the vessels that arrived dur- ing this month, reported having experienced very severe weather on the coast, and the news- papers published accounts of several distressing shipwrecks. 228 NOVEMBER. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 45, and it produced all the variety of the different seasons. It commenced with the frosty temperature of winter. But on the 4th the mildness of spring succeeded, and that of summer soon followed, and on the llth the pleasant and healthy temperature of autumn. In this way the weather alternated until the month closed. During the night of the 14th the wind changed to north-east, and such a snow storm ensued as January would not blush to own ; from six to eight inches fell, af- terwards it cleared and remained cold for four days. On the 18th it moderated and summer- like weather followed until the 23d, when a sudden change took place, and the mercury sunk 33 degrees in about twelve hours, and the cold continued to increase until the morning of the 26th, when the mercury rested at 20, which is twelve below the freezing point. On the 27th the wind changed to south, and the wea- ther moderated. During the month the mer- cury varied from 20 to 71. The quantity of rain which fell during the month was three inches. On the evening of the 14th there was a splendid Aurora borealis, which continued for more than an hour, and a little before ten o'clock there was a magnificent phenomenon a little west of the zenith, of a deep crimson colour, which spread from the centre like an open umbrella, and extended quite down to the horizon, with all the variegated colours of a bright rainbow. Perhaps a more brilliant ap- pearance was never presented to the eye of man. NOVEMBER. 229 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and it commenced cold and frosty, with the mercury down to 27 at sunrise, and during the day there were some snow squalls, with the wind at north-east. On the 2d the wind changed to south-west, and the mercury ran up to 56, and it varied from this point to 70, at mid-day, until the 9th, when the wind changed to north-west, and the atmos- phere became cold and frosty until the 13th, when the wind southed, and it was mild and very pleasant until the 17th. From this time until the month closed, the weather was cold and squally, with an occasional mild and plea- sant day, but there were some very frosty nights. On fourteen nights the mercury was below the freezing point. Two mornings at sun- rise, it was as low as 18, which is 14 below the freezing point ; and three other mornings it was 21 and 23. On six days some rain fell, making in all three and a quarter inches. On five days about two inches of snow fell. It was a cold, blustering month, for November. The eastern papers said, snow fell at different times in the New England States, in sufficient quantity to make good sleighing. As early as the 31st of October, snow fell in the interior of New York and Pennsylvania, to the depth of ten inches. On the morning of the 25th, at sunrise, when the mercury in this city was 18 above zero, it was down to zero in Connecticut; also at Buf- falo, and in Vermont; which was the coldest weather in November, that we can find on re- cord, as having occurred within the United States. 30* 230 NOVEMBER. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 40, and the weather was very va- riable, from mild to cool, until the 20th, when the wind changed to north-west, after which the cold increased so rapidly, that on the morn- ing of the 21st, the mercury w r as 20 ; on the 22d it was 18 ; on the 23d it was 20. The 24th and 25th were mild ; but the 26th was severely cold; at sunrise, the mercury rested at 15, which is 17 below the freezing point, and it did not rise higher than 24 at mid-day. The 27th and 28th were also cold ; but the 29th and 30th were milder. Some rain fell on five days, making three and a half inches; and some snow fell on two days, about half an inch in all. During the night of the 25th, the cold was so severe as to freeze over the Delaware from Kensington to Trenton, which stopped the steamboats from running for a few days. This was also the case in November 1838, but they resumed their trips, and continued to run until the middle of December. The drought was so severe in Alabama, from August to November, 1839, as to render good drinking water so scarce, that it was sold for one dollar per gal- lon. On the 7th, snow fell in the interior of New York and through the New England States, and the Canadas, to the depth of several inches. In some places there was good sleigh- ing. So said the newspapers from those places. The Great Western steamer made her October passage from New York to England in thirteen days, and her return passage in fifteen days. On the llth of this month, the planet Venus visible to the naked eye, during mid-day, NOVEMBER. 231 and while the sun was shining in full splendour ; the atmosphere being clear and remarkably transparent. It is generally known, that Venus is the brightest star in the firmament, and the second planet from the sun, and when she and the earth are on the same side of the sun, her distance from us is twenty-six millions of miles, according to the calculations of the best astrono- mers; and yet at this immense distance, she was seen with the naked eye at noon-day. 1840. The medium temperature of this month was 43, and it commenced with what is generally called " Indian Summer" and so con- tinued until the 8th, when the wind changed to north-east, and rain soon followed. Some rain fell on six days, making in all two and a half inches. And some snow fell on three days, and had not much of it melted as it fell, there would probably have been from six to eight inches, and good sleighing in the city, as there was in the interior of this and several other states. There was ice on eight mornings. At the close of the month, the seared leaves falling from the trees and vines, indicated the approach of winter. " The trees to the blast have surrender'd their leaves, The beauties of Summer have fled ; The warblers departed for sunnier climes, The herbage is withered and dead !" 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 42, and it produced the temperature of the four seasons; from summer's heat to winter's cold. On the morning of the 1st, the fog was so dense on the Delaware, that an ob- ject was scarcely perceptible at a distance of 232 NOVEMBER. twenty feet. At ten o'clock, the scorching- rays of the sun compelled this unpleasant visiter to flee before it, and the mercury ran up to sum- mer heat. It continued warm until the 4th, when the wind changed from south to north- east, and some rain fell. During the month rain fell on eleven days, making in all four and a half inches; and some snow fell on four days, making about ten inches, and there was good sleighing for several days. The coldest day was the 30th, when the mercury was 20 at sunrise, which is 12 below the freezing point, and it did not thaw any in the shade during the day. Great quantities of snow fell during the month in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, the interior of Pennsylvania, New York, and in several of the New England States. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 38 ; and from the 1st to the 18th, the weather was as mild and pleasant as Septem- ber. But in the afternoon of the 18th, the wind changed to north-west, and the mercury sunk from 50 to 31, by ten in the evening; and to 24 by the next morning. The weather during the remainder of the month was more like mid- winter than autumn. Some snow fell on the 24th, 27th, and 30th, making about four inches; and two inches of rain fell during the month. At the close of this month, we received accounts of the severity of the weather, from the east, west, north and south, commencing about the time it did in this city. At Baltimore, Wash- ington, and farther south, it was very severe. The Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and NOVEMBER. 233 other newspapers, stated the cold to be as great there, as any ever experienced in November. The papers from the interior of New York, Vermont, and through the Canadas, made simi- lar statements, and that much snow had fallen, and sleighing was excellent. Most terrific gales were experienced on the western and northern Lakes, and many vessels wrecked, and lives lost. Accounts from Detroit, Buffalo, Erie, Chicago, Dunkirk, &c., stated, that in conse- quence of the wrecks of so many vessels, the shores were lined with barrels of flour, pork, corn, wheat, &c., and many dead bodies were washed ashore ; and in several of those places the mercury was below zero. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 41, and during the month there was a good deal of damp, chilly, wet weather. Rain fell on nine days, making in all four and a quar- ter inches. And some snow fell on two days, but it melted nearly as fast as it fell. On eleven mornings, between day-break and sunrise, the mercury was at the freezing point, and below. On the 28th it sunk to 22, which was the cold- est morning in this city, during the month. There were but nine entirely clear days. There was not one severe storm in this vicinity during the month. But in other parts of the United States, there were several. On the 10th of November, the weather was so cold in Upper Canada, that there was good skating on the St. Charles river, and the sleighing was excellent. At the same time the snow was two feet deep in Vermont, and in many places it was blown 234 NOVEMBER. into banks to the depth of four feet. In the in- terior of New York State, and in several of the New England States, the snow was of suffi- cient depth to make good sleighing. On the 1st of the month, there was ice in Georgia as thick as window-glass. 1844. The medium temperature of this 'month was 44, and from the 1st to the 19th the weather was remarkably mild. The mercury was not once so low as the freezing point until the morning of the 19th when it was 32, and on four other mornings, towards the close of the month, it was from 28 to 30 in this city, and we neither saw or heard of a flake of snow fall- ing in this vicinity during the month. Some rain fell on nine days, making in all three inches. There were eighteen clear days, and a great part of the month was like Indian sum- mer in this vicinity. But it was far otherwise in some other parts of the United States, and in the British provinces. In Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and in the interior of New York, Vermont and some of the New England states, we read accounts in the newspapers of snow being from ten to twelve inches deep and good sleighing. In the Canadas there was much severely cold weather, and in some places the snow was two feet iri depth. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 46, and the weather in this latitude was delightfully pleasant during almost the whole month. But in other latitudes there were violent gales, tornados, hurricanes and storms of various kinds, as reported in the NOVEMBER. 235 newspapers, and several disasters occurred in consequence thereof, both on the sea and on the land. According to our notes, there were fifty shipwrecks on the American coast, notwith- standing the weather in this latitude was so mild and pleasant during almost the whole month. From the 24th to the close of the month the weather was cooler. A very little rain fell on six days, making in all two and a half inches ; and about half an inch of snow fell on the 29th and 30th. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 46, and during which there was much damp, drizzly, rainy weather. Some rain fell on fifteen days, making in all eight inches. There were five other days which were overcast, damp and chilly, and ten that were clear and cool. The last five of these ten were quite wintry, and a little snow fell on the 25th and 27th, making in all about one inch. There was no violent blow or storm in the vicinity of Philadelphia during the month. But from New York city down the sound, and to the eastward as far as Boston, there was on the 19th of November a most disastrous storm, accompanied by a terrific gale, which caused much injury to vessels in the sound, and also in the harbours of Newport, Providence and Boston. It was in this storm that the aw- ful calamity happened to the noble steamer Atlantic, from New London, Connecticut, by which she was wrecked and stove to pieces on the ledge of rocks running out from Fisher's Island, (at the east end of Long Island) where- 236 NOVEMBER. by forty human beings were ushered into eter- nity in a few moments ; among whom was the commander of the Atlantic, Capt. Dustan, a most estimable and worthy man, in the meri- dian of life, and many other valuable citizens. On the same day there was a violent and de- structive gale and storm on the western lakes, particularly on Lake Erie, during which seve- ral vessels were lost, and many persons perish- ed. On the 26th of November, snow fell in the interior of New York to the depth of eight inches, after which it cleared severely cold, and there was good sleighing from Albany to Buf- falo, and through Vermont and Canada. RECORD OF THE WEATHER IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR THE MOXTH OF DECEMBER. 1790. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and it commenced and contin- ued very cold until the 10th, when the wind wested and four days of very mild weather en- sued, after which the wind changed to north- west and it became intensely cold, and the Delaware closed with thick ice and remained closed until the 18th of January, when the wind changed to north-east and about five inches of snow fell, and there was good sleigh- ing for several days with a cold north-west wind and a cold Christmas. On the 27th the wind changed to south-west, and the residue of the month was very mild. About seven inches of snow and two inches of rain fell during the month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52. 1791. The medium temperature of this month was 32. The first ten days were very cold. On the night of the 5th the Delaware opposite the city froze over so hard as to be passed by foot passengers. After the 10th the 21 238 DECEMBER. wind changed to west, and a week of mild and pleasant weather followed ; when the wind changed to north-east, and about two inches of snow fell in the city, but a great deal more fell in the country. It cleared cold, and so con- tinued until the 16th, when the wind changed to south-east and it rained part of a day and night ; it afterwards cleared cold. On the 22d there was a north-east snow storm, and the snow blew into banks that blocked up the roads, which made the communication between the city and country very difficult for several days. On the 28th the wind southed and some rain fell, and the weather was very mild until the month closed. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52 J. 1792. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and it commenced mild, over- cast and drizzly. On the 3d it cleared cold ; on the 6th it snowed, and it cleared mild with a westerly wind. On the 12th the wind changed to east, and several inches of snow fell, which made good sleighing until the 19th, when some rain fell, which made very sloppy and unpleasant travelling. On the 24th the wind changed to north-west, and it was very cold until the month closed. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52. 1793. The medium temperature of this month was 30. The first week was cold and windy ; but from the 7th to the L5th, it was generally mild, and some rain fell. On the 16th the wind changed to north-east, and it snowed part of the 17th and 18th, and there DECEMBER. 239 was good sleighing until the 27th, when it rained and cleared mild, and thus the month ended. From six to eight inches of snow, and about two inches of rain fell during the month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1794. The medium temperature of this month was 31; and it commenced cool and pleasant, with wind varying from north-west to west, and south-west, but on the 9th it changed to north-east, and some rain fell, mixed with flakes of snow. On the llth it cleared cold and frosty, with the wind at north-west. On the 16th the wind easted, and a few inches of snow fell, and it again cleared cold ; but on the 23d the wind wested, and the weather was mild until the 27th, when the wind changed to north-east, and a little more snow fell, and the weather remained unsettled until the month closed. The medium temperature of the whole year was 50. 1795. The medium temperature of this month was 30. During which the weather was very changeable, from very mild and plea- sant to very boisterous and stormy, with both snow and rain; and then it cleared very cold, with a brisk north-west wind. Thus the wea- ther kept vascilating during the whole month. There were a few days of sleighing on two oc- casions. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. 1796. The medium temperature of this month was 32 ; it commenced mild and plea- 240 DECEMBER. sant. But the pleasant weather was followed on the 6th by a snow storm, which produced a week of very good sleighing. It then modera- ted, and some rain fell, which m'ade the snow to disappear. After which, from the 18th to the 24th, it was cool, but very pleasant. On the 25th, the wind changed to north-east, and some snow fell, and the weather was very va- riable the remainder of the month. The me- dium temperature of the whole year was 51 J. 1797. The medium temperature of this month was 30 ; and it produced some severely cold days, as well as some that were mild and pleasant. There were also some snow storms and snow squalls. But very little rain fell dur- ing the month. There was more sleighing than usual. Christmas was mild and pleasant. There were several marine disasters on the coast. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. 1798. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and it commenced clear and cold with the wind at north-west. After which it changed to west and south-west, and several days of mild weather ensued. On the 13th it suddenly changed to north-east, and several inches of snow fell, which blew into banks and some very cold days followed. On the 20th the wind wested, and it was milder for a few days ; but the last week in the month was very cold. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. 1799. The medium temperature of this DECEMBER. 241 month was 29. It commenced clear and cold with the wind at north-west, and so continued for nearly a week, when the wind changed to north-east, and both rain and snow followed ; the wind then wested and several pleasant days ensued. After which it changed to north- east and there was more falling weather, both of snow and rain. The remainder of the month was very variable, being sometimes very cold and then milder. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. December 14, 1799, George Washington, the hero, the patriot, the sage, breathed his last, aged 68, after twenty-four hours illness of the quinsy; after which the whole country was in mourning. 1800. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and it was very variable until the 15th, being sometimes very cold, and then very mild and cloudy. From the 16th to the close of the month there was much easterly, damp weather, and a little snow and much rain fell, and some very chilly and unpleasant days, with a few that were clear and mild. There was some very boisterous weather on the sea coast, which occasioned many marine disasters. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51 1. 1801. The medium temperature of this month was 34, during which there was much mild and pleasant weather. Considerable rain, but very little snow fell during the month in this vicinity. There were a few cold days, but 21* 242 DECEMBER. none that were severe. The medium tempera- ture of the whole year was 52. 1802. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and there was a few severely cold days in which the mercury sunk to 10 and 12 fcbove zero in this city, but at Albany and New Haven it sunk down to zero. It is often the case that one extreme follows another. The wind afterwards changed to south-west and the mercury ran up to 64, and several mild days followed and some rain fell. The wind then changed to north-west, and a week of very cold weather ensued, after which it changed to north-east, and there was a violent snow storm. If the snow had fallen on a level it would have been a foot deep, but it blew into banks of con- siderable height and obstructed the roads very much. During the storm several marine dis- asters occurred on the coast. The storm was very severe at the north and east and snow fell to a great depth in many places. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53 \. On the 24th there was a great fire in Portsmouth, N. H. ; about 120 houses and other buildings were destroyed. 1803. The medium temperature of this month was 30. There was no very severe weather during the month ; the mercury varied from 22 to 60. Of course there were some very mild days. Rain fell on several days, but very little snow fell during the month in this vicinity. There was no severe storm or blow. The wind changed several times from north to south-west, and to north-east. On the whole, NOVEMBER. 243 it was a pleasant December month. The me- dium temperature of the whole year was 52. 1804. The medium temperature of this month was 34, and it produced much mild and pleasant weather, notwithstanding there were a few severely cold days, with mercury at sun- rise as low as 12 above zero, but at rnid-day it ran up to 34, and once during the month it ran up to 56. A little rain fell on several days and some snow on two days. The medium tem- perature of the whole year was 51. On the 18th forty houses and stores were burnt in New York, including the Old Coffee House, the Morning Chronicle office, &c. 1805. The medium temperature of this month was 30. The weather was alternate- ly very cold and boisterous and very mild. On the 28th and 29th there was a most violent and destructive storm, both on the sea and land. Several vessels stove and sunk at the wharves, and immense damage was done in this city, as well as in New York, Boston, &c. There were many shipwrecks on the coast and many lives lost. It was a month of disasters that are not forgotten by many now living. The me- dium temperature of the whole year was 51 J. 1806. The medium temperature of this month was 32, and during which there was much mild and pleasant weather. The mer- cury did not sink below 24, nor rise above 58 during the month. There was no violent storm either of rain or snow in this vicinity during the month. About two inches of snow 244 DECEMBER. and three inches of rain fell. There was sleigh- ing in the interior of New York, and through the New England states. The medium tem- perature of the whole year was 51 f . 1807. The medium temperature of this month was 32 ; and the weather was alternate- ly very cold and very mild. The coldest day was 14 above zero at sunrise. On one day, about three inches of snow fell, and on another day about six inches, which made good sleigh- ing. Three inches of rain fell during the month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52. 1808. The medium temperature of this month was 30; and it produced a few very cold days, and two moderate snow storms ; in each of which about three inches of snow^ fell ; and during the month, two and a half inches of rain. There were ten days of mild and plea- sant weather. The residue of the month, was usual winter-like weather. There was no severe storm during the month in this vicinity. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52. 1809. The medium temperature of this month was 29, and it was alternately cold and mild. Some snow fell on four days, making in all about five inches ; and about two inches of rain fell. It was a pleasant winter month in this latitude. The eastern papers mention some boisterous and severe weather, and a few marine disasters. The temperature of the whole year was 51. 1810. The medium temperature of this DECEMBER. 245 month was 28. During which there was much severely cold, and some boisterous weather, which was very hard on the poor mariners on the coast; as there were several shipwrecks, and lives lost. Some snow fell on five days. On one of those days, the storm was very se- vere, and the wind blew very hard from the north-east. At the north and east, a good deal of snow fell during this month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. 1811. The medium temperature of this month was 30. There was much very severely cold weather during this month ; and some that was stormy and boisterous, both on the sea and land ; and there were several distressing ship- wrecks and loss of lives. Considerable snow fell, but rain generally followed in this vicinity. There were only a few mild and pleasant days. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52. On the 26th of this month, the Thea- tre at 'Richmond, Virginia, was burnt during a theatrical performance, and 123 persons pe- rished in the flames. 1812. The medium temperature of this month was 28 ; and a great proportion of this month was steady, cold and clear weather. Not much snow or rain fell in this vicinity. North- west winds prevailed more than half the month; and there Were some severely cold days, and but few which could be denominated mild. There were two snow storms, neither of which were very boisterous in this vicinity ; but at the north and east, they were very severe. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. 246 DECEMBER. 1813. The medium temperature of this month was 28 ; and snow fell on several days, which made good sleighing. During one of the snowy days, the wind blew very hard at north-east, and there were some marine disas- ters on the coast. Very little rain fell, and there were but few mild days. The medium temperature of the whole year was 50 1. 1814. The medium temperature of this month was 30 ; and it commenced and con- tinued mild and pleasant until the 10th, after which some stormy weather followed, of both snow and rain, when it afterwards cleared cold, and so continued until the 21st. The remain- der of the month was variable, sometimes cold, and at others mild and very pleasant. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. 1815. The medium temperature of this month was 26 ; and there was more intensely cold weather than in any December month for twenty-five years. On three mornings, between break of day and sunrise, the mercury was from zero to 4 above ; and on six mornings, from 10 to 15 above. On six other mornings, from 18 to 24 ; and only on three mornings, was the mercury above the freezing point. A good deal of snow fell from east to west, and north to south; but very little rain. The wind was principally from the north-west and north, and it sometimes blew very violently. Fuel was scarce, and very high. The medium tempera- ture of the whole year was 51 J. 1816. The medium temperature of this DECEMBER. 247 month was 32, and there were fourteen mild and pleasant days in the month. During the other seventeen days the weather was very va- riable. About six inches of snow and three inches of rain fell. The temperature of the whole year was only 49 ; it being the coldest year we have on our record. Although there was no uncommonly cold weather during the three winter months, yet there was ice during every month in the year, not excepting June, July and August. There was scarcely a vege- table came to perfection north and east of the Potomac. The cold weather during the sum- mer, not only extended through America, but throughout Europe. One of the most cele- brated meteorologists in England, on reviewing the weather of the year, said, "it would ever be remembered that 1816 was a year in which there was no summer, and the temperature of the year (as a whole) was the lowest ever known." It was also the coldest summer ever known in the West Indies and in Africa. The medium temperature of the whole year in Philadelphia was only 49. 1817. The medium temperature of this month was 31, and it was a month of very pleasant weather. It is true there were a few very cold days, and a little falling weather. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52J. 1818. The medium temperature of this month was 34, and there were two weeks of very mild and pleasant weather. The remain- der of the month was very cold, and sometimes 248 DECEMBER. very windy and stormy. Snow fell on three days, making in all six or seven inches, and two inches of rain. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1819. The medium temperature of this month was 26, and it produced a great deal of severely cold and boisterous weather. Some snow fell on seven days ; on two of these days the wind blew very hard from the north-east, and great anxiety was felt for the shipping on the coast, and a few days brought accounts that several vessels had been wrecked between the coast of Virginia and Maine. The range of the mercury between daybreak and sunrise during the month was from 6 above zero to 28. On two mornings it was 6 ; on eight mornings from 10 to 16 ; and on fourteen, it was from 18 to 28. A number of mid-days were quite mild and pleasant. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51. The smallest quantity of rain fell during this year that w r e have on our record, viz. 23J inches. In 1841, 55J fell. 1820. The medium temperature of this month was 28, and it commenced and contin- ued very cold, (with the exception of a few days) until the 15th, and some snow fell on three days. From the 15th to the end of the month, the weather was very variable ; some- times mild and pleasant, and at others, cloudy, windy and cold, with some snow. Very little rain fell during the month. The medium tem- perature of the whole year was 51 J. 1821. The medium temperature of this DECEMBER. 249 month was 26, and it commenced intensely cold, and soon closed up the Schuylkill and Dela- ware. And there was scarcely a day during the whole month which could be called mild. A great deal of snow fell from Virginia to the extreme part of Maine, and through the British provinces. Also, through, the western coun- try. A great many marine disasters occurred, and there was great distress and suffering on the coast; also, among the poor, on the land, on account of the scarcity and high price of fuel. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51 J. 1822. The medium temperature of this month was 30; and the weather during the month was quite variable ; sometimes very cold, and at others quite mild. Some snow fell on three days, but not to much depth, in this vi- cinity. A little rain also fell on three days, about two inches in all. The medium tempe- rature of the whole year was 53. 1823. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and this was the mildest De- cember month for many years. The weather until the 20th Was almost as mild as some Oc- tober months. The mercury ran up to 60 and above, on several days, between twelve and two o'clock ; and there were but few frosty nights, until the 20th. On the evening of the 20th, a great change took place, and the weather be- came very cold, and so continued until the month closed. During the fourth week, snow fell on two days, which made excellent sleigh- ing in many places, particularly at the north 22 250 DECEMBER. and east. The temperature of the whole year was 53 1. 1824. The medium temperature of this month was 34 ; and there was much mild and pleasant weather. Very little snow fell during the month. After the middle of the month, there were some cold days, and the weather was very variable until the month closed. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53|. 1825. The medium temperature of this month was 34. The weather during the month was very similar to that of the corresponding month of last year. There w r ere some intensely cold days, and others that were mild and plea- sant. About three inches of snow, and three and a half inches of rain fell during the month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 54. 1826. The medium temperature of this month was 37, and there was a very unusual number of very fine, mild, and pleasant days during the month. A little rain fell on three days, making in all one and a quarter inches; and a few flakes of snow fell on three days. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1827. The medium temperature of this month was 36, and the weather was exceeding- ly variable, being very mild and very cold on several days. Some rain or snow fell on six days, making in all about three and a quarter inches of rain, and the same quantity of snow. There were several cloudy and windy clays, DECEMBER. 251 and on the whole, the weather was very un- comfortahle a great part of the month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 50. 1828. The medium temperature of this month was 38, and a very mild month it was. On several days the mercury rose to 60 at mid- day, and there were only a few nights in which there was any frost. The mornings were often foggy, the same as dog-days, and a warm, sunny day would ensue. A little rain fell on two days, making one quarter of an inch only. The medium temperature of the whole year was 54. 1829. The medium temperature of this month was 34; and there were ten very mild days and six that were very cold. Some rain and a little snow fell on three days, making one and a half inches of rain. The remaining days in the month were partly clear and partly cloudy, but mild for a winter month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1830. The medium temperature of this month was 32 f, and there was much cool, damp, cloudy, wet weather, with some days that were clear, cold "and windy, and others that were mild and very pleasant. Some rain or snow fell on seven days, making five inches of rain, and about three of snow. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52|. 1831. The medium temperature of this month was 30, and it produced a great deal of intensely cold, dry weather. On three days only, there was a little snow and rain, making in all one inch of each. There were seven days 252 DECEMBER. that were tolerably mild and pleasant. But cool northerly winds prevailed a great part of the month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1832. The medium temperature of this month was 25 ; and there was much very cold weather. Snow and rain fell on six days, mak- ing five inches of rain and six inches of snow. There was more severely cold weather during this month, than in any corresponding month since 1821. The mild days which occurred, were few and far between. The medium tem- perature of the whole year was 51. 1833 The medium temperature of this month was 32, and the weather was very varia- ble during the whole month. There were seve- ral very mild and pleasant days, and some that were very cold. Rain or snow, (and sometimes both,) fell on seven days, making five and three quarter inches of rain, and about four inches of snow The medium temperature of the whole year was 52|. 1834. The medium temperature of this month was 33 ; and it produced much mild, as well as some very cold weather. Some rain fell on the 2d, 6th and 24th, making in all two and a quarter inches. A little snow fell on three days, but on the 29th there was quite a snow storm. About four inches fell during the whole month. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52 J. 1835. The medium temperature of this month was 28 ; and it was a cold stormy month. D E C E M B E R. 253 Both snow and rain fell on several days/and northerly and easterly winds prevailed very much ; although there were a few very plea- sant days, with the wind westerly. Two and a half inches of rain, and' about four inches of snow fell. Several marine disasters occurred on the coast. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52. 1836. The medium temperature of this month was 33 ; and it produced twenty-two entirely clear and pleasant days; some that were very mild^and others that were very cold. On three days "the mercury ranged from 50 to 54 at mid-day ; and on eleven days, from 40 to 47. On one morning at sunrise, the mercury w r as only 6 above zero, and on one other 12 above. On nine mornings, from 17 to 21 above zero ; and on ten mornings from 23 to 32. The remainder of the month was mild. On six days some rain fell, making in all four inches ; and about a quarter of an inch of snow fell. Dur- ing the night of the 17th, and morning of the 18th, there was a violent gale of wind, (accom- panied with rain,) which did considerable dam- age to the shipping at the wharves, &c. And during the night and morning of the 21st, there was a similar storm, attended with like conse- quences. The medium temperature of the whole year was 50 J. 1837. The medium temperature of this month was 32, and it was a very pleasant month. There were twenty-two clear days, and there was not a storm of any kind, (in this vicinity,) during the whole month, and not one severely 254 I) E G E M B K R. cold day. About two inches of snow fell on one day, and a few flakes on two other days. A little rain fell on three days, making in all one inch and one-tenth. The warmest day was the 2d, when the mercury rose to 65 at mid-day ; and the coldest was the 23d, when the mercury was 19 at sunrise, but it rose to 32 at mid-day. Notwithstanding the weather was so remarka- bly fine in this latitude, -from August to the close of the year, it was far otherwise in many other latitudes, as our accounts from various quarters testified. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52|. 1838. The medium temperature of this month was 29, and the weather was exceeding- ly variable during the whole month. A little snow fell on six days, making about five inches, and some rain fell on three days, making a frac- tion over one inch. There were ten clear days, and twelve cloudy or overcast. On twenty- four mornings at sunrise, the mercury was be- low the freezing point. On one morning it was only 8, and on another 9 above zero. On two mornings it was 12, on three 15, and on three from 18 to 20 above zero. There were twelve days in which it did not rise to 32, even at mid- day. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1839. The medium temperature of this month was 34; and it was a weeping month. Some rain fell on fifteen days, making in all six and a quarter inches, and some snow fell on seven days, making in all about twelve inches, in this city; but in the country it fell DECEMBER. 255 to a much greater depth. There were only seven entirely clear days during the month. The newspapers from various parts of the coun- try said, that more snow had fallen in this month, than in any December month for thirty years. The snow, from this city to Baltimore and Washington, was from 18 to 20 inches deep, and the roads were impassable for two days, after the violent snow storm of the 22d and 23d. The roads between this city and Lancaster were so blocked up, that cars and stages were stopped for three days, and no mail was received from Pittsburgh, Erie, &c., for nearly two weeks. The snow was also very deep in the interior of New York State, and in all the western, northern and eastern States. The gale and storm of the 22d and 23d, was awfully severe and destructive from the Chesa- peake to the extreme part of the State of Maine, and many vessels and valuable lives were lost. The shipping suffered very much in the har- bours of New York, Rhode Island, Boston, and to the extreme part of Maine. Out of sixty vessels which put into Gloucester, (Cape-Ann,) for a harbour, twenty-two were totally lost, with almost every one of their crews; and the re- mainder were all dismasted and otherwise crip- pled. About fifty poor sailors thus perished. Twenty of their dead bodies were found wash- ed ashore the next morning, and several more afterwards. On the 20th and 21st, the Dela- ware closed from Kensington to Trenton. The medium temperature of the whole year was 52. 1840. The medium temperature of this 256 D E C E M B E R. month was 30 ; and it was a cold and stormy month. The first three days were mild and pleasant, but on the morning of the 4th it chan- ged to north-east, and a snow storm commenced in the P. M., which continued until the even- ing of the 6th, during which about fifteen inches of snow fell in this city, but much more fell in the country. This storm was very vio- lent, from Virginia to Maine, and considerable damage was sustained by the shipping, in ports and on the coast. The storm was also very violent on the Lakes, and down through the Canadas. Also through all the western coun- try. While it was snowing from Virginia to Maine, it was raining in torrents farther south. Hail fell to the depth of several inches, in Nor- folk and Richmond. After the storm ceased, it cleared very cold, with the mercury at 18, which is 14 below the freezing point; and sleighing was good from Ohio to Maine, for two weeks. Newspapers from the eastern States, gave an account of another violent snow storm there, on the 22d, in which the snow blew into banks from six to eight feet high. And still another on the 26th. On those days a very little snow and rain fell in Philadelphia and vicinity. Snow fell in this city on ten days, making in all about two feet. And some rain fell on four days, making three and a half inches. The Delaware closed from Kensing- ton to Trenton, on the 19th. The medium temperature of the w r hole year \vas 52 j. 1841. The medium temperature of this month was 35. It commenced with the mer- DECEMBER. 257 cury at 19, and continued cold until the 9th, when the wind changed from north to south- west and south, and the weather was mild until the 17th. The wind then changed to north- east, and it rained, hailed, and snowed. On the 18th it cleared cold with a north-wind, and the mercury at 20. The cold increased until the 22d, when at sunrise, it was 13 above zero, and did not rise above 22 during the day. The weather continued cold until the month closed. On sixteen mornings at sunrise, it was below the freezing point. On the morning of the 22d, the mercury was 2 below zero, at Buffalo, Al- bany, and Erie; also in Vermont; and in the Canadas from 10 to 15 below. During the rain storm in this city on the 23d, the Schuyl- kill river, opposite the city, rose from eight to nine feet above high water-mark, and complete- ly covered the wharves. The freshet drifted down the Schuylkill river a great quantity of wood and lumber. The quantity of rain which fell in this city during the month was six inches. All the snow which fell, did not ex- ceed two inches, in this vicinity. The medium temperature of the whole year was 51 J. The greatest quantity of rain fell during this year that we have on our record ; viz. fifty -five and a half inches. The smallest quantity in one year was in 1819, when only twenty- three and a quarter inches fell. 1842. The medium temperature of this month was 32; and it commenced with the mercury at 27 at sunrise, and continued about this temperature, (with the exception of four 258 DECEMBER. mornings,) until the 23d, when the wind chan- ged from west to north-west, and the mercury sunk from 36 to 18, and on the morning of the 24th to 14 above zero, and it continued cold until the month closed. There was but little falling weather during the month, in this city. On the 8th there was a moderate north-east rain storm, and on the 21st another; and a very little rain fell on a few other days, making three and a half inches ; and about four inches of snow fell. The cold during a part of the month, was very severe in many parts of the country, and a great quantity of snow fell in the west, the north and the east. But in this vicinity, there was but very little stormy weather. The me- dium temperature of the whole year was 52 J. By the following we see how very different the weather is in different latitudes, and some- times even in the same latitude. For instance, in Philadelphia and vicinity we had but very little severely cold or stormy weather during the two previous months, while in many parts of the western, northern and eastern states there was excessively cold, stormy and tem- pestuous weather. In several places beyond the Ohio river, snow fell to the depth of two feet, and there were several weeks of excellent sleighing in November. It was precisely the same in the interior of Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and all the New England States. In Illinois, as early as the 29th of November, the mercury sunk to 14 degrees below zero, and in Belfast, (Maine,) to 20 below, (so said the newspapers from those places,) while in Philadelphia on the same DECEMBER. 259 morning at sunrise, the mercury was 18 above zero ; being a difference of 32 degrees between Illinois and this city, and between Belfast and Philadelphia a difference of 38 degrees ; i. e. it was 38 degrees colder at Belfast than in Phila- delphia. And as it respects a snow storm which commenced in this city at ten o'clock on the morning of the 30th of November, (and which was comparatively mild and moderate here) it did not commence in New York until past twelve o'clock, and in Boston not until three P. M., where it was so violent, (said the papers) from New York to the extreme part of Maine, that the whole coast from Boston to the bay of Funda, was lined with wrecks of vessels. It was during this storm that the beautiful barque Isadore, (which left Boston before the storm commenced) was wrecked and stove en- tirely to pieces on the ledge of rocks running out from the harbour of York, (Maine,) and every person on board perished, consisting of fifteen young men, all under thirty years of age, and belonging to Kennebec, (Maine,) where the vessel was owned. Part of the time the wind blew a complete hurricane, (said the east- ern newspapers.) The number of lives lost on the coast and in harbours, by shipwrecks, &c., from the 10th to the close of November, were 578. The whole month of December, 1842, was one of awful and destructive storms in dif- ferent latitudes. 1843. The medium temperature of this month was 34|, and there was no intensely cold or very mild weather. The month was 260 D E -C E M B E R. very unpleasant. Some snow fell on four days, which would have made six and a half inches, had not a great part of it melted soon after it reached the earth. Some rain fell on nine days, making in all four inches. There were nine days that were cloudy, either a part or the whole day, in which no rain or snow fell. The other nine days were tolerably clear, excepting three foggy mornings. The medium tempera- ture of the whole year was 51 f. During the past autumn there was much se- verely cold weather in several portions of the United States, particularly in the west, the north and the east ; and considerable snow fell earlier than usual in those directions, and by various arrivals at different ports, we received accounts of very tempestuous weather at sea, and many marine disasters ; and storms on the lakes were very disastrous to many vessels. There were fourteen vessels lost on Lake Erie alone. 1844. The medium temperature of this month was 35, and the weather during the month was very variable. Some rain fell on seven days, making in all three inches. A very little snow fell on the 23d and 27th, about a quarter of an inch in all. There was much cloudy, overcast and chilly weather, but none that was severely cold or very mild in this vi- cinity. On the 17th the river became so ob- structed by ice from Kensington to Borden- town, that the up-river steamboats ceased to perform their regular trips. Although there was not sufficient snow fell in this vicinity DECEMBER. 261 during the month to whiten the earth, yet the whole state of New York and the New Eng- land States were bountifully supplied. On the llth and 12th of the month there was a violent snow storm from New York to the extreme part of Maine. On Long Island, the snow was blown into banks from ten to twelve feet high, so that the cars were stopped for several days. The papers said, the storm was the most vio- lent for many years ; in Connecticut the drifts were fifteen feet high. Beyond Rhode Island the storm was not so severe, and much less snow fell. The medium temperature of the whole year was 53. 1845. The medium temperature of this month was 28 f , and it was the coldest Decem- ber month since 1825. After one of the most pleasant and mild autumns experienced in this latitude for many years, stern winter took us by surprise on the 28th of November, having so powerfully operated on the atmosphere from the evening of the 27th to the morning of the 28th, as to reduce the mercury 29 degrees in ten hours. The weather was cold and very in- clement a great part of the month. On a part of fourteen days the mercury was below the freezing point. On five days some snow fell ; and on eight days some rain ; making in all four and a half inches. The western, the northern, and some of the eastern papers said, " a much larger quantity of snow had fallen than for many years at so early a period, and there was good sleighing more than half the month." A New Orleans paper of the 8th of 23 262 DECEMBER. December said there was ice there, and in all that region of country, and skating on the Mis- sissippi; and the mercury was down to 23. On the 8th of December the Ohio river was frozen over at Pittsburg, Wheeling, Cincinnati, &c., also that the Wabash river was frozen at Vincennes, as early as November 30. The snow was nine inches deep in Tennessee on the 5th of December ; and in Michigan the mercury was 6 below zero on the 29th of No- vember. In Kentucky the mercury was 2 be- low zero on the 3d of December ; and at St. Louis it was 5 below zero, and snow a foot deep 'on a level, in that and many of the west- ern states. It was about the same depth in the interior of Pennsylvania, New York, Connec- ticut, and through the New England states; but, in the Canadas, it was from eighteen to twenty-four inches, and in many parts of Upper Canada it was blown into banks fifteen feet high, and the mercury was 13 below zero. In Albany, Saratoga and Utica, it was 10 below zero on the llth of December; and at Fran- conia, N. H., it was 33 degrees below zero ! What a cold place ! ! ! The medium tempera- ture of the whole year 1845, in Philadelphia, was 54. 1846. The medium temperature of this month was 35, and the weather was exceeding- ly variable. There were but seven entirely clear days. Some rain fell on eight days, making in all three and a half inches ; and some snow fell on three, making about six inches. The remaining days were overcast, cloudy and DECEMBER. 263 clear. On eighteen mornings at sunrise the mercury was either at or below the freezing point ; but only once was it as low as 20 above zero, which is 12 below the freezing point. It did not freeze at all during thirteen nights, which is very extraordinary for a December month. On four mid-days the mercury ranged from 50 to 56 in the shade; on fourteen days it was 40 and above, and only on three mid- days was it as low as the freezing point. The medium temperature of the whole year was 54. The smallest quantity of rain which has fallen in any one year during the last half cen- tury was in 1819, when only twenty-three and a quarter inches' fell. And the greatest quan- tity in one year was in 1841, when fifty -five and a half inches fell. The usual quantity which falls is from 40 to 46 inches. " The old year 's run his rapid race, The new one follows in the chase ; While hoary time stands listening 1 by, Marking the moments as they fly." He that hopes to look back with satisfaction upon past years, must learn the value of a sin- gle moment, and endeavour to let no particle of time pass unimproved. 264 TEMPERATURE 1790 TO 1847. The Temperature of each Year from 1790, to 1847, making 57 Years. Temperature of 1790 was 52 Temperature of 1 8 1 9 was 51 1791 <; 52| ii 1820 it 5lf cc 1792 52 " 1821 ii 51* tl 1793 n 53 (C 1822 ii 53 ll 1794 ii 50 " 1823 i 53 11 1795 ii 51 " 1824 53| ll 1796 ii 51* ll 1825 < 54 ll 1797 " 51 " 1826 ( 53 ll 1798 M 51 " 1827 < 50 ll 1799 ll 51 u 1828 < 54 ll 1800 ll 51* u J829 ( 53 ll 1801 ll 52 1830 ( 52* " 1802 ll 53* " 1831 * 53 ll 1803 ll 52 ti 1832 ii 51 " 1804 ll 51 u 1833 " 52^ " 1805 ll 51* ll 1834 52|- " 1806 ll 51* ll 1835 <( 52 1807 ll 52 " 1836 " 50? ll 1808 52 ll 1837 52? ll 1809 ll 51 ll 1838 it 53 It 1810 ll 51 " 1839 u 52 " 1811 ll 52 M 1840 " 52^ ll 1812 ll 51 " 1841 u 51* " 1813 ll 50^ it 1842 " 52! u 1814 ll 51 ll 1843 " 512 ll 1815 11 511 n 1844 ll 53 ll 1816 ll 49 it 1845 ll 54 ll 1817 ll 52* 1846 ll 54 ll 1818 ll 53 By the table above, will be seen at one view, the wonderful uniformity in the tempera- ture of the years. Only in one year was there a difference of 5 degrees, and that was in 1816, in which there was ice in every month. Twenty of the other years, the temperature did not vary one degree. The periods of our recording the state of the atmosphere, may be seen in the preface. APPENDIX. Further accounts respecting the weather, extracted from very ancient as well as modern manuscripts ; also from books and periodicals re- ceived from Foreign correspondents, as mentioned in our preface. COLD AND STORMY WINTERS, In Europe, $c. Christian Era 202, &c. The winters of 202, 250, and 291, were intensely cold for four months. The Thames was frozen for nine weeks. In the winter of 301 the Black Sea was fro- zen entirely over. In the winter of 401 the Pontus Sea was frozen over, also the Sea between Constantino- ple and Scutari. In 462 the Danube was frozen over. In 508 and 558 the Danube was again frozen over, also all the rivers in Europe were more or less frozen. In the winter of 695, the Thames was frozen so hard, that many booths were built thereon. In the winter of 762, the Dardanelles and Black Sea were frozen over, and snow drifted to the astonishing ctepth of 50 feet ! During the winters of 859 and 860, most of the rivers in Europe were frozen for two months. 266 APPENDIX.' In the winter of 923, the river Thames was frozen for nine weeks ; and in the winter of 987 it was frozen 120 days. In 1063, 1067, and 1076, the winters in Eu- rope were long and intensely cold, and many persons perished by cold and hunger. In the year 1214, the Thames was so low be- tween the tower and bridges, that men, women and children waded over it, the water being only four inches deep. And again in 1803 and 1836, the water all ran out, and many persons passed and repassed. In 1235, the water rose so high in the Thames as to extend up round Westminster Hall, to such a depth, that the judges and lawyers were taken from the Hall in boats. In the winters of 1234, 1294, and 1296, the sea between Norway and Denmark, and from Sweden to Gothland, and the Rhine and Baltic, were all frozen, and snow fell to a frightful depth. In the winter of 1133, the cold was so intense in Italy, that the Po was frozen from Cremona to the Sea. The wine froze and burst the casks, and the trees split with a great noise. The winters of 1216 and 1234, were very similar to the last mentioned. In the winter of 1282, the houses in Austria were completely buried in snow, and many per- sons perished with hunger and cold. The winters of 1323, 1349, 1402, 1408, 1423, 1426 and 1459, were all intensely cold, and the Baltic was so firmly covered with ice, from Mecklenburg to Denmark, that merchandise was conveyed over it with horses and wagons. A P P E N D I X. 267 In the winter of 1384, the Rhine and Scheldt, and the Sea of Venice, were frozen. In the winters of 1434 and 1683, the Thames was frozen below Gravesend. Also, in 1709, 1760, 1763, and 1784. In the winter of 1620, the sea between Con- stantinople and Iskodar was again frozen. The winters of 1670 and 1681, were intense- ly cold. The Little and Great Belts were fro- zen, and many persons perished. The winter of 1692 was awfully severe in Russia and Germany, and many persons froze to death, and many cattle perished in their stalls. The winters of 1709, '16, '39, '47, '54, '63, '76, '84, '88 and '89, are all recorded as having been intensely cold throughout Europe. On the llth October, 1741, there was the most awful and destructive storm in India which was ever experienced. It was computed that three hundred thousand persons perished on the land and water. The water rose 40 feet higher than ever before known. It was also computed that more than a thousand vessels were lost, and among them eight English East India ships, with all their crew r s. On the 7th March, 1751, there was a terrible storm at Nantz, which destroyed 66 square- rigged vessels, arid 800 seamen perished. On the 8th of December, of the same year, a still more destructive storm occurred at Cadiz, in which 100 vessels were lost, and three thousand sailors perished. A London paper of January 29, 1762, says, "the Thames had been frozen so firmly since 268 APPENDIX. Christmas, that horses and carriages were driven thereon. Also, that booths were erected, and fairs held thereon." A German paper of December 17, 1788, says, the cold was so intense, as to sink the mercury 27 degrees below zero. On the 13th July, 1783, at St. Germain, in France, hail fell as large as pint-bottles, and did immense damage. All the trees from Vallance to Lisle, were destroyed. On the 10th Jan. 1812, the fog was so dense in London, that every house was lighted with candles or lamps ; and it was so dark in the streets at mid-day, that a person could scarcely be discerned at a distance of eight or ten feet. On the 27th December, 1813, a similar fog oc- curred in England, which continued for four days, and several persons missed their way and fell into canals and rivers. In December 1840, the weather was so se- vere in Sweden, that it was computed that three thousand persons perished. A London paper of February 3d, 1841, says, "The weather is awfully severe and boisterous, and numerous disasters have occurred to the shipping, &,c. The Thames steamboat, from Ireland, was wrecked, and out of sixty-five passengers, only four were saved. Cold Winters in Philadelphia, tyc., previous to 1790. The winter of 1789 was very mild until the middle of February, when the weather became APPENDIX. 269 exceedingly cold to the close of the month. The whole spring was so cold that fires were comfortable until June. The summer months were excessively hot, the mercury frequently rising to 96 in the shade. The whole winter of 1788 was intensely cold. The Delaware was closed from the 26th of De- cember to the 10th of March. The winters of 1786 and 1787 were tolerably mild. There were some cold days of course. The winters of 1784 and 1785 were tolerably mild, notwithstanding much snow fell. The winter of 1783 was long and severe. The Delaware closed as early as the 28th of November, and continued ice-bound until the 18th of March. The mercury was several times below zero. The \vinter of 1782 was also very cold. The Delaware froze over in one night opposite the city. The winter of 1781 was very mild, but the spring was cold and backward. The Avhole winter of 1780 was intensely cold. The Delaware was closed from the 1st of December to the 14th of March. The ice was from two to three feet thick. During the month of January the mercury was several times from 10 to 15 below zero, and only once during the month did it rise to 32. Long Is- land Sound and the Chesapeake were so com- pletely ice-bound as to be passable with horses and sleighs. The winter of 1779 w r as very mild, particu- larly the month of February, when trees were in blossom. 270 APPENDIX. " January 9, 1773, the mercury was 9 de- grees below 0, and there was much snow and cold weather until the 10th of March." During the winter of 1772, the Delaware was covered with ice for three months. The winter of 1765 was intensely cold. On the 19th of February, a whole ox was roasted on the Delaware. On the 31st of December, 1764, the Dela- ware was frozen completely over in one ni ^ht, and the weather continued cold until the 28th of March, with snow two and a half feet deep. The winter of 1760 was alternately very cold and very mild. In the month of March there was the heaviest fall of snow ever remembered so late in the season. The winter of 1756 was very mild ; the first snow storm was as late as the 18th of March. The winter of 1750 was very open and mild, but all the spring months were cold and stormy. As late in the season as the 30th of May, snow lay on the ground. The next record we find is 1742, which siys, " One of the coldest winters since the settle- ment of the country ; a gentleman drove him- self with a horse and" sleigh through Long Island Sound (on the ice,) to Cape Cod !" The winter of 1741 was intensely cold. The Delaware was closed from the 19th of Decem- ber to the 13th of March. Many creatures died from hunger and cold. As late in the season as the 19th of April, snow fell to the depth of three feet, after which the weather became very warm, and the whole summer was in- tensely hot. APPENDIX. 271 The winter of 1740 was very cold and stormy. The Delaware continued closed -until the 14th of March. The winters of 1736 and 1737 were both in- tensely cold, and many persons perished. In both the winters of 1727 and 1728, the Delaware was closed for three months. The whole winter of ]725 was mild, but the spring very cold. In March snow fell to the depth of two feet in one night. The winter of 1717 was long and severe, and there were the deepest snows remembered by the oldest inhabitants. Their depth is not re- corded. The winter of 1714 was very mild after the 15th of January ; trees and shrubbery were in bloom the first week in February, and the spring was unusually mild. After this we could find no record of the weather, or even a word respecting it, until the winter of 1704, which was long and severe, with many deep snows. The 14th of December, 1708, is recorded by a New England writer, as being the coldest day ever known there up to that time ! But he forgot to say how cold it was ! At this time thermometers had been in use eighty-eight years. They were invented in 1620. The winter of 1697 was intensely cold. Bos- ton harbour was frozen as far down as Nan- tucket. After this the only record we can find re- specting the weather in America is, " on the llth of December, 1681, the Delaware river froze over in one night, so as to be passable on the ice." 272 APPENDIX. The severest drought ever experienced in America was in the summer of 1762. Scarcely a sprinkle of rain fell for nearly four months, viz. from May to September. Vegetables of every description perished. Storms and Hurricanes. On the 26th November, 1703, there was a most awful and destructive storm on the coast of England, in which thirteen sail of British men-of-war were lost, and fifteen hundred and nineteen officers and seamen perished. A great many other vessels, with their crews, were also lost, and an immense amount of other damage was sustained. During the dreadful storm and tempest on the coast of Newfoundland, on the llth of Sep- tember, 1776, eleven ships, arid several hundred smaller vessels with all their crews, were lost. During a most awful hurricane in the West Indies, on the 10th October, 1780, the whole town of Bridgetown was destroyed, and many thousand persons perished. St. Lucien, Gre- nada, and St. Vincent, were also laid waste, and many thousands perished. At Fort Roy- al, (Martinique,) fourteen hundred houses were blown down, and an incredible number of per- sons were killed. Every house at St. Pierre, was also blown down, and many thousands perished. At St. Eustatia, five thousand per- sons, at least, lost their lives. Many vessels with their crews, were dashed to pieces in the above ports. APPENDIX. 273 On the first week in September 1804, there was a destructive hurricane in the West Indies. At St. Kitts, one hundred and twenty vessels, with many of their crews, were lost. At Anti- gua, fifty-nine vessels were lost, and most of their crews perished. At St. Bartholomew, fifty vessels and many lives were lost. At St. Thomas, forty-four vessels with their crews were lost. At other Islands, many vessels with their crews were lost. During the autumn of 1838, there were ter- rible storms and gales the other side of the At- lantic; and great damage was sustained both on the sea and land. The chain bridge at Mon- trose was carried away, and immense damage done to the shipping, &c. Another storm oc- curred on the night of the 28th October, sweep- ing the whole northern and eastern coast of England with terrific violence, unroofing houses, blowing down chimneys, trees, &c., and doing immense damage to vessels, &c. In the year 450 there was the greatest hail storm in England ever recorded, up to that pe- riod. The hail stones measured three inches in diameter, killing many men, beasts, fowls, birds, &c. In 549, there was a most terrific storm in London, which blew down many houses, and killed two hundred and fifty persons. In the years 553, and 918, it rained most of the time in Scotland. And in England and Wales, during the years 1222, 1233, 1330, 1338, 1348, 1365, 1752, 1770, and 1789, the land was kept so inundated with continuous 24 274 APPENDIX. rains, that scarcely an article of food was raised. In the year 944, there was another destruc- tive storm in London, which blew down fifteen hundred buildings, and killed several hundred persons. In 1223, there was a succession of thunder storms in England, which continued fifteen days, with violent wind and terrific lightning, which did great damage. In 1515, January 1, there was a most fright- ful and destructive storm in Denmark, which rooted up whole forests of trees, destroyed a great many houses, and blew down the steeple of the great church at Copenhagen. Many per- sons were killed. On the 3d September, 1658, there was a very alarming and destructive storm in England. And another on the 27th November, 1703, in both which, many houses were blown down, and others unroofed. Churches, steeples, and whole groves of trees were prostrated, and immense damage done to the shipping. Among a great many other vessels which were lost with most of their crews, were eight frigates and ships of the line, and two thousand officers and seamen perished. The greatest snow storm in the Carol in as that we have any account of, was in February 1717, when the snow fell to the depth of six feet. In New England it fell to a much greater depth. A Salem (Mass.) paper, published im- mediately after the storm, said, "the snow was blown into banks from fifteen to twenty feet high." APPENDIX. 275 \ ^, The winter of 1697 was long, stormy, and se- verely cold all over the United States. The Delaware was closed with thick ice for more than three months, so that sleighs and sleds passed from Trenton to Philadelphia, and from Philadelphia to Chester, on the ice. In 1699, Charleston, S. C., was nearly depop- ulated by an awful tempest and inundation. The winter of 1704 was intensely cold and stormy. In December, snow fell to the depth of three feet on a level. The Delaware was fast with ice two feet thick, from the 10th De- cember to the 10th March. On the 28th and 29th December, 1805, there was a most violent and destructive storm almost all over the United States. The wind blew a complete hurricane. Many vessels were stove and sunk in the Delaware, also in New York, Boston, &c. At the close of the winter of 1842, a New York paper said, " The past winter has been the coldest since the settlement of the country, and perhaps, more snow has fallen !" Query. On the 14th July, 1842, the lower part of the city of Baltimore was completely deluged by repeated and powerful rains ; and particularly by a tremendous thunder storm, during which several persons were struck down by lightning. On the same day there was a most destructive storm in Virginia and North Carolina, by which the whole South was partially deluged. The papers from those States gave the most dis- tressing accounts of the violent gale of wind which accompanied the torrents of rain. The Norfolk papers said, " the rain was followed by 276 APPENDIX. a three days' hurricane, by which great dam- age was done to the shipping in Hampton Roads, &c.; also to railroads, canals, bridges, mills, &c. On the east side of Oronoke, four- teen vessels were cast away, and completely wrecked, and a number of dead bodies were washed ashore. Two other vessels were strand- ed, and their whole crews perished." It was indeed, a month of more violent thunder storms, all over the United States, than any month for half a century. Our record of the number of buildings burnt by lightning during the sum- mer of 1842, was sixty-one ; and of the number of deaths by lightning, forty-six. NOTES FROM OUR RECORD, Respecting the American Revolution, and formation of the government of the United States, 4r. On the llth of June, 1776, the old Congress appointed Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben- jamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and R. R. Livingston, a committee to prepare a Declara- tion of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was adopt- ed by said Congress on the 4th of July, 1776, and was read from the State House steps in Philadelphia, on the 8th of July, 1776. This event took place 264 years after the first discove- ry of America by Columbus, and 150 years from the settlement of Plymouth, and when the Uni- ted States possessed a population of short of 3,000,000 of souls, (men, women and children.) On the 17th of June, 1775, the great battle APPENDIX. 277 of Bunker Hill was fought, and 1054 British soldiers were killed. On the same day Charles- town, (Mass.) was burnt by the British. On the 13th of June, 1780, " The American Daughters of Liberty in Philadelphia," formed themselves into an association, for supplying the soldiers of the American army with cloth- ing. On the 26th of May, 1781, Congress resolved to establish the Bank of North America, being the first regularly established bank in America. On the 7th of January, 1782, it opened for bu- siness in Philadelphia. On the 19th of April, 1783, the day which completed the eighth year of the Revolutionary war, the cessation of hostilities was proclaimed to the American army. The loss of lives to the Americans during this war, was estimated at 70,000 men. On the 3d of September, 1783, the definitive articles of peace were signed at Paris, between England and America. John Adams, Benja- min Franklin and John Jay, signed on the part of America, and David Hartley, on the part of England. On the 17th of September, 1787, the Grand Federal Convention adopted and promulgated the present Federal Constitution of the United States. On the 3d of March, 1789, the delegates from the several states which had ratified the Fede- ral Constitution, assembled at New York, and opened and counted the votes for President, when it was found that GEORGE WASHINGTON 24* 278 APPENDIX. was unanimously elected, and JOHN ADAMS was elected Vice President. The following is the order in which the se- veral states adopted the Federal Constitution of the United States. 1st. Delaware, 2d. Pennsylvania, 3d. New Jersey, 4th. Georgia, 5th. Connecticut, 6th. Massachusetts, 7th. Maryland, 8th. South Carolina, 9th. New Hampshire, 10th. Virginia, llth. New York, 12th. North Carolina, 13th. Rhode Island, 14th. Vermont, admitted ruary 18, 1791 15th. Kentucky, do. 16th. Tennessee, do. 17th. Ohio, do. 18th. Maine, do. December 3, 1787. December 13, 1787. December 19, 1787. January 2, 1788. January 9, 1788. February 6, 1788. April 28, 1788. May 23, 1788. June 21, 1788. June 25, 1788. July 26, 1788. November 27, 1789. May 29, 1790. into the Union, Feb- do. June 1, 1792. do. June 1, 1796. do. in 1802. do. in 1820. The other states were admitted into the Union at various periods, as their population increased. On the 19th of April, 1789, when WASHING- TON entered Philadelphia on his way to New York, to assume the office of President of the United States, at each end of the bridge at Gray's ferry were erected laurel arches, and as he passed under the first, a crown of laurels was lowered upon his h$ad, APPENDIX. 279 On the 22d of September, 1790, Congress passed a law to remove the seat of government from New York to Philadelphia, for ten years, and after that period, to the city of Washing- ton permanently. December 11, 1800, the government of the United States was removed from Philadelphia to the City of Washington. HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA. From the State Book of Pennsylvania, published by U. Hunt 8s Son, Philadelphia, 1846. "THE site of Philadelphia seems to have been called Coaquanock by the Delaware Indians, who occupied it before the white men. The Swedes were its first permanent settlers. Three sons of a person of that nation called Sven, (sub- sequently known as Swansons,) held the ground on which the lower part of the city stands, by deed from the British Governor of New York, dated in 1664. Penn's grant of the provinces was obtained early in 1681, and the first set- tlers under it arrived in August of that year, in the ship John and Sarah of London. Phila- delphia not being yet laid out, they landed at the Swedish town of Upland, (now Chester.) In 1682, William Penn having arrived, se- lected the site for the city, and regularly laid it out. He procured the land of the Svens for that purpose, by giving them other land on the 280 APPENDIX. Schuylkill in exchange. He gave the new town, and the county in which it is placed, the name of Philadelphia, which he had deter- mined on before he left England. It was the name of an ancient city in Asia Minor, and adopted on account of its indicating the har- mony he wished to prevail in the new town. It is composed of the Greek word "philos," a friend, and "adelphos," a brother, and may be said to mean the City of Brotherly Love. It soon grew into importance, as many as twenty- three ships having arrived from various parts of Europe with settlers before the close of 1682. When Penn returned to England in June, 1684, the population had already reached 2,500. He did not again visit Philadelphia till 1699, when he found it much increased and improved. The same year the yellow fever first made its appearance in the town. Iti October, 1701, Penn chartered Philadel- Ehia as a city, and Edward Shippen was the rst mayor. The same year Penn finally re- turned to England. The old Court-house in the middle of Market street, where it is crossed by Second, was built in 1707. Here the As- sembly met and the courts were held. The present State House in Chestnut street, was commenced in 1729 and the central portion completed in 1735. In 1731, the Philadelphia Library was commenced by Dr. Franklin. In 1751, an academy, which subsequently became the University of Pennsylvania, was founded. It was chartered in 1753, erected into a college in 1755, and a university in 1779. The bell procured for the State House from England, in APPENDIX. 281 1752, having been broken by accident, a new one was cast in Philadelphia, and hung in the steeple, with this remarkable motto upon it: " Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the people thereof." The same year Penn- sylvania Hospital was founded, chiefly by the exertions of Dr. Franklin, the population of the city then being about 14,000. In 1760, the population was 18,000, and in 1770, 28,000. In the month of September, 1774, the first continental Congress met in Carpenters' Hall. On the 4th of July, 1776, Independence was publicly declared from the steps of the State House ; the Declaration having been adopted and signed by the members of Congress, in an apartment on the first floor of the eastern end of the main building. The courts and public offices of the city and county are now held in the State House, but Independence Chamber remains in the same condition as when the memorable Declaration was there adopted. In 1781, the Bank of North America, being the first in the Union, was established by Congress. In 1788, the first steamboat was tried on the Delaware by John Fitch. In 1790, the population of the city and ad- joining districts was 42,500. In 1793, the yel- low fever carried off 4041 persons, and drove the greater portion of the inhabitants from the city. In 1794, South wark was incorporated, and the turnpike to Lancaster completed. In 1799, water from the Schuylkill was introduced into the city by steam, and distributed in pipes from Centre Square, now called Penn's Square. In the year 1800, the population was 63,900. 282 APPENDIX. In 1803, the Northern Liberties were incor- porated. In 1805, the Permanent Bridge was completed across the Schujlkill. In 1809, the Phoenix, the first of Fulton's steamboats, was placed on the Delaware, from which time steam- boats continued to be used. In 1810, the popu- lation of Philadelphia was 95,672. Spring Garden was incorporated in 1813. In 1815, the steam water- works were completed. In 1818, the existing public school law of the city and county was enacted. In 1819, the United States Bank (now the Custom House) was commenced, and completed in five years. In 1820, the population was 117,887, and Kensington was incorporated. In 1822, the Fairmount Water-works, as at present in ope- ration, were completed. In 1823, the Eastern Penitentiary was commenced. In 1824, the Franklin Institute was incorporated. In 1826, the Schuylkill Navigation was completed. In 1830, the whole population was 166,270. In 1833, Girard College was commenced Ste- phen Girard having left his immense property, worth ten millions of dollars, when he died, to the city, for the erection and support of that in- stitution, and the improvement of the city. In 1834, the Columbia Railway was completed, and locomotive engines first used on it. In 1835, gas for lighting*the city was first intro- duced. In 1837, Pennsylvania Hall was burn- ed. In 1840, the population of the city and districts was 220,423. In 1840, a great fire happened in Front street. In 1844, the Ken- sington riots occurred. In 1845, the popula- tion of the city and districts was not less than 260,000." APPENDIX. 283 Buildings and Improvements in Philadelphia. In 1683, there were only eighty dwelling houses in Philadelphia, and the population was short of twelve hundred ; but such has been the rapid increase, that in 1845 the population of the city and liberties amounted to two hundred and sixty thousand. The first house built in Philadelphia, was in Front street, between Walnut and Dock. Christ Church, in Second street above Mar- ket, was originally built but one story high, in 1695, and the bell was hung in a large tree in front of the house. In 1710, a part of a more commodious house was erected on the founda- tion of the old. In 1727, the western end of the church was built, and the eastern end in 1731. The steeple was built in 1753, which is 196 feet high. For a great number of years, it has had eight chiming bells. The First Presbyterian Church in Philadel- phia, was constituted in 1695, and they wor- shipped in a small house or store, at the N. W. corner of Second and Chestnut streets, for about three years, when they purchased a lot, and built a small house thereon, at the corner of Market and Bank streets, in 1698, which build- ing was enlarged in 1729, and they continued to worship therein until 1793, when it was su- perseded by a spacious and handsome edifice on the same lot, where they continued to wor- ship until 1821, when they erected their pre- sent large and commodious house at the corner of Seventh and Locust streets, facing Wash- 284 APPENDIX. ington Square, which church is now, and has since June, 1830, been under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Albert Barnes. The First Baptist Society, (who now have a spacious place of worship in Second street, between Market and Arch,) was constituted the same year with the before-mentioned First Presbyterian Church, and so mutually harmo- nious were these two Christian societies and their pastors, that they united together in wor- ship in the same small building, (at the corner of Second and Chestnut streets,) for nearly three years, after which both were more commodi- ously accommodated in different places. The Swedes Church, in Southwark, was built in 1690. There are now, (1847,) in the city and liber- ties of Philadelphia, 147 places of worship, in- cluding all denominations. The Pennsylvania Hospital was founded in 1752. These spacious buildings are between Eighth and Ninth, and Spruce and Pine streets; facing on Pine street. They were commenced in 1755, and the east wing was finished that year. The west wing was built in 1796, and the centre in 1804. The State House, on Chestnut, between Fifth and Sixth street, was built in 1735. The fire- proof wings, (occupied as public offices,) were built in 1813. The Philosophical Society of Philadelphia was formed in 1760, and incorporated in 1780. They hold their meetings in their building in Fifth below Chestnut street, which was built in 1790. APPENDIX. 285 The Pennsylvania College, in Ninth between Chestnut and Market streets, was founded in 1779, and changed to a University in 1789. It has two spacious buildings. The north one is the University ; the other is the Medical Col- lege. Both departments are in very high rep- utation. The Jefferson Medical College is located in Tenth street, between Chestnut and Walnut. There is no institution of the kind in the Uni- ted States superior to this. The professors are gentlemen of the highest reputation. The col- lege building, which was rebuilt the past year, is one ofvthe most commodious for the purpose in America. The College of Pharmacy, Materia Medica, &c., is also in high repute. Their spacious building is in Zane street, between Eighth and Ninth. The Girard College was commenced in 1833, and will, probably, be completed the present year, (1847.) The Philadelphia Exchange, at the corner of Third, Walnut and Dock streets, was com- menced in 1828, and finished in 1832. It is a large and splendid building, and occupied by the Post Office, a number of Insurance and other offices, a spacious Reading-room, which is furnished with newspapers from all parts of the United States, a large Hall, where merchants hold their Exchange meetings, and for various other purposes. The United States Naval Hospital is located on the banks of the Schuylkill, below South street. It is a noble building, 386 feet long, 25 286 APPENDIX. and 175 wide, and is the most convenient for said purpose of any in the United States. It was founded in 1835. The spacious marble edifice, the United States Mint, at the corner of Chestnut and Ju- niper streets, was commenced in 1829, and fin- ished 1831. Philadelphia was first lighted with Gas in 1835. The Masonic Hall in Chestnut, between Sev- enth and Eighth streets, was burnt in 1819, and rebuilt immediately afterwards. The Odd Fellows' Hall, in Sixth, between Arch and Race streets, was built in 1846. The Bank of the United States, in Chestnut between Fourth and Fifth streets, was built in 1819-20, and used by the stockholders until 1845, when the United States government pur- chased and converted it into the Custom-house. The square in Walnut, between Sixth and Seventh streets, formerly the Potter's Field, was laid out in serpentine walks, and adorned with trees, in 1816-17, and '18, and has since been known as Washington Square. The noble ship Pennsylvania, (one of the largest in the world,) was built in Philadelphia, and launched on the 18th July, 1837. The Arcade in Chestnut, between Sixth and Seventh streets, was built in 1825. WATER WORKS. The distribution of water in pipes, from Centre Square, was commenced in 1801, and continued until the Fairmount water works were completed in 1822. The Telegraphic Wires were projected from Washington in various directions, in 1846. APPENDIX. 287 The Franklin, or Philadelphia Library, was formed in 1731, and chartered 1742. In 1799, a law was passed authorizing the company to purchase a lot, and erect a suitable building for their accommodation, which they did soon af- terwards, at the corner of Fifth and Library streets. There is no library in America that has so large a collection of books. It contains 35,000 volumes. The Philadelphia Athenaeum was established in 1814, with a spacious Reading-room, fur- nished with newspapers and periodicals from almost every part of America, and many from Europe. In another room, they have an ex- tensive library of valuable books, which they are continually increasing by making additions of new and valuable publications. For their better accommodation and more extensive use- fulness, they laid the foundation of a large and commodious building in 1845, at the corner of Adelphi and Sixth streets, a little south of Wal- nut, and which now, (February 1847,) is nearly completed. The Mercantile Library Company was insti- tuted in 1821, and is furnished with newspa- pers and periodicals from various parts of the United States and Europe ; also, with an excel- lent library suitable for such an institution. In 1845-6. they erected an elegant and spacious building for their better accommodation, and for public and private offices, at the corner of Fifth and Library streets. The building is an ornament to the city. The Franklin Institute, in Seventh street, be- tween Chestnut and Market, was built in 1824, 288 APPENDIX. and is kept well supplied with newspapers, pe- riodicals, and books. Scientific and other lec- tures are delivered every season in said build- ing. On the 5th September, 1801, the foundation stone of the Market street Permanent Bridge, crossing the Schuylkill, was laid, and it was completed in 1805. The American Sunday School Union was formed in 1824, and commenced business in a house which they purchased for said purpose, 166 Chestnut street. The house, being too small for this extensive and useful establishment, was taken down in 1845, and a large and commo- dious one erected in its place in 1846. The Deaf and Dumb Asylum, at the corner of Broad and Pine streets, was built in 1825, and it has since been greatly enlarged. The Orphans' Asylum was founded in 1815, and the Widow's Asylum, founded in 1818; both of which are on the square between Schuylkill Fifth and Sixth, and Cherry and Race streets. Friends' Asylum, near Frankford, was found- ed in 1815. The Magdalen Asylum was founded in 1800, and located at Schuylkill Second and Race streets. St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum was founded in 1817, and located at the corner of Seventh and Spruce streets. St. John's Orphan Asylum was founded in 1830, and is located in Chestnut, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. St. Mary's Orphan Asylum, located at Fifth and Pine streets. APPENDIX. 289 Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind was was founded in 1823, and is located near Schuyl kill Third and Race streets. Wills' Hospital, for the Lame and Blind, was founded in 1823, and is located near Schuylkill Fifth and Race streets. Christ's Church Hospital, was founded in 1785, and is located No. 8 Cherry street. The Seamen's Friend Society is located at 121 south Second street. Rail Roads, $c. Since 1800, railroads have been projecting from Philadelphia in almost every direction. The first in the United States that was laid and in operation, was from Philadelphia to Columbia, a distance of eighty-four miles. In 1832, a railroad was completed from Phila- delphia to Bristol, and through New Jersey, (via Trenton) to New York; and another from Camden to New York, via Burlington, Borden- town, &c. Railroads have since been completed from New York, via Long Island, through Connec- ticut, Rhode Island, -Massachusetts, New Hampshire, to Portland, Maine. To the south, railroads have been in opera- tion several years, from Philadelphia through Delaware to Baltimore, Washington and far- ther south. To the west, they have also been in opera- tion since 1794, from Philadelphia to Lan- caster, Harrisburg, &c. 25* 290 APPENDIX. To the north, they have likewise been in operation for many years, from Philadelphia to Germantown, Manayunk, Norristown, Read- ing, Pottsville, &c. In a few years a new railroad will probably be laid the entire distance from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. In 1756, stages were first established as pub- lic conveyances, between Philadelphia and New York, and they were three days perform- ing the journey from city to city. The jour- ney is now performed, per railroad and cars, in about five hours. As late as 1790, it occupied ten days to perform the journey from Philadel- phia to Boston in stages; it now occupies about seventeen hours, per railroad, &,c. Steamboats. There are few persons in Philadelphia, who have not heard or read something about the first steamboat invented and propelled on the Delaware by John Fitch, as early as 1786 or 1788, who, from want of means, was pre- vented from making such improvements there- on as were suggested to his mind. He, how- ever, made several trips in his boat to Burling- ton and Bristol, and one to Trenton, previous to abandoning his favourite invention, which has since been greatly improved upon, and which has proved such a public convenience in facili- tating the speed of travelling, not only in this country, but in Europe. No further attempt was made at propelling APPENDIX. 291 by steam until 1801, when Oliver Evans, of this city, engaged in the enterprise, and applied it to mills, and then to wagons and one small boat, by way of experiment ; in all of which he succeeded beyond his expectations. About six or seven years after Mr. Evans' improvements, Fulton & Livingston, of New York, had a small steamboat built, and run her up the North River to Albany. Very soon after this successful experiment of theirs, the steam en- gine mania commenced and spread with as- tonishing rapidity, not only through this coun- try, but in Europe, and steamboats have multi- plied as fast as they could be built, so that now (1847) almost every river and lake in the civi- lized world, are covered therewith ; and for the last ten years, the Atlantic ocean has semi- monthly been navigated by some of the largest and most splendid steamships that could be built. A regular line of six or eight, has been running regularly from England to Halifax, Boston, and New York, and vice versa. The steamboat Phoenix was the next boat propelled by steam on the Delaware, (after John Fitch.) The Phoenix -commenced run- ning up the Delaware in 1809 ; she was owned by Col. John Stevens. A few years after this, say from 1813 to '20, and '24, there were a number of steamboats built and equipt with every necessary appendage, to ply regularly up and down the Delaware with passengers, viz. Franklin, Congress, Albemarle, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Baltimore, Burling- ton, William Penn, the Eagle, the Trenton, &c., and within two years, the elegant boat 292 APPENDIX. John Stevens, all of which, in their days, per- formed daily trips to Burlington, Bristol and Bordentown, from early spring to the following winter. For several seasons the boats ran up to Trenton, and passengers were taken from thence in post coaches to Brunswick and Am- boy, and then in steamboats to New York un- til 1832, at which time the railroad was finish- ed from Amboy to Bordentown, where passen- gers were taken from thence to New York in steamboats. One line of cars is still con- tinued to Amboy, and the two other lines take the passengers to Jersey city, and there cross to New York in steam-ferry boats. The number of steamboats now on the Dela- ware, which ply up and down and across the river, is fifty. Steamboats Lost. The steamship Home, from New York to Liverpool, with one hundred persons on board, was lost in L838. During this year (1838) the following steam- boats were lost on the western waters, viz : The Washington, the Franklin, the Ben Sherod, the the Monmouth, the Moselle, the Oranoko, and the Pulaski, whereby ten hundred and eighty human beings lost their lives. On the night of the 13th of January, 1840, the steamboat Lexington, on her passage from New York to Stonington, (Connecticut,) was entirely destroyed by fire in Long Island Sound, APPENDIX. 293 whereby one hundred and fifty persons pe- rished. The Atlantic steamer President sailed from New York for Liverpool on the llth of March, 1841, with one hundred and nine persons on board, all of whom perished ! Not one was spared to tell the woful tale. Among many other estimable persons, was the Rev. Mr. Cookman, late of Philadelphia, a very talented clergyman. A London paper of May 3, 1841, said, " that this noble ship was foundered, there can be no doubt, and all on board perished !" She was the largest steamer ever built, being 2360 tons and 540 horse power. On the night of the 26th of November, 1846, the steamer Atlantic, Capt. Dustan, on her pas- sage from New London, (Connecticut) for New York, with eighty persons on board, was over- taken by a violent storm and gale in Long Is- land Sound, by which she was wrecked and stove to pieces on Fisher's Island, near the eastern end of Long Island, whereby forty per- sons (men, women and children) perished ! We could here record the loss of a multitude of other steamboats, particularly on the western rivers and lakes, but our limits will not permit us so to do. TABLET OF MEMORY, AND MEMORANDUM-BOOK. Through a great part of my life, I have been highly privileged in having recourse to many 294 APPENDIX. public and private libraries, both ancient and modern, and from whence I have derived great benefit, as I always endeavoured to have a memorandum book at hand, in order to note every remarkable event or incident I might meet with, that would be likely to benefit my- self or any of my fellow-beings, and which would be apt to escape my memory, if I had not adopted such a procedure. I would, there- fore, earnestly recommend a like course to be pursued by all young persons, (both male and female) who are desirous of storing their minds with useful information. For instance, if we should wish to refresh our memories as to the time when America was first discovered. By whom ? The time and order of the settlement of the different states. The adoption of the Federal Constitution. In what order it was adopted by the states. The meeting of the first Congress, together with a great variety of other information respecting the country of our birth or adoption. Or, an account of the most useful discoveries and inventions, in this and other countries, &c. For these, and much other useful information, we have only to turn to our tablet of memory and see the account. America was first discovered by Columbus, on the llth of October, 1492; and by Cabot in 1497. New England was first planted by the Puri- tans, in 1620. On the 20th December, 1620, the first settlers of New England landed at Ply- mouth, (Massachusetts.) The first settlement at New Hampshire was at Little Harbour in 1623. It was partially united with Massachusetts, (as to its executive APPENDIX. 295 government) on the 14th of April, 1641, but again became an independent state in 1679. Massachusetts assumed the government of Maine in 1 668, and it continued a part of that state until 1820, when it became an indepen- dent state. Boston settled in 1630, and Salem, (Massa- chusetts) about the same time. The first settlement of Maryland, was at St. Mary's, in 1634. The first settlement of Connecticut was at Wethersfield, in 1634. The first settlement of New Jersey was in 1637, by the Swedes. The first settlement of Rhode Island was in 1638. The first settlement of Carolina was at Chow- an, in 1634. North and South Carolina were one state at this time. A division took place at a subsequent period, viz. 1728. The first effectual settlement of Virginia was at Jamestown, in 1607. Mexico was first settled by Spaniards in 1518. Philadelphia first settled in 1682, and was incorporated by the State Legislature in Octo- ber, 1790. On the 24th October, 1682, William Penn first arrived in America, in the ship Welcome, and landed at New Castle, Delaware, with one hundred passengers. The next day, peaceable possession was given to him. On the 4th De- cember, 1682, he called the first Assembly of Pennsylvania to meet at Chester, and passed several laws. Philadelphia was chartered with 296 APPENDIX. city privileges, and Edward Shippen was cho- sen the first Mayor, and Thomas Story the first Recorder. Penn crossed the Atlantic twice to this coun- try. His last return from Philadelphia to Eng- land, was in 1701. Soon after his return, his health began to fail, (although he lived several years afterwards,) but on the 30th July, 1718, he died at his seat in Buckinghamshire, (Eng- land,) aged 74. While in Philadelphia, he oc- cupied his house in Lsetitia court, but his coun- try residence was in Pennsburg, a short dis- tance above Bristol, Pa. On the 28th June, 1781, the first Yearly Meeting of Friends in America, was held at Burlington, N. J. From 1684 to 1761, they met alternately at Burlington and Philadelphia. Since which time, their yearly meetings have been held in Philadelphia. The first newspaper published in France was in 1631. The first published in England was in 1642. The first in America was at Bos- ton,- on the 24th April, 1704. The first in Phil- adelphia was the 22d December, 1719. The first in New York was the 16th October, 1725. The first in South Carolina was in 1730. The first in Rhode Island was in 1732. The first in Connecticut was in 1755. And the first in New Hampshire was in 1756. The first Post Office established in France, was in 1470. The first in England, was in 1492. And the first in America, was in 1710. The first Custom-house established in Eng- land, was in 1559 ; and the first Insurance of- fice, was in 1667. APPENDIX. 297 The Cape of Good Hope was discovered in 1486 ; and the Island of Ceylon in 1506. China was first visited by the Portuguese in 1517; and by the English and French in 1601. On the 9th August, 1787, the ship Columbia, and sloop Washington, her tender, sailed from Boston, for the north-west coast of America and China, and returned to Boston in 1790, being the first American vessel that circumnavigated the globe. The first vessel built in Boston was in 1631, and she was called " The Blessing of the Bay. 1 ' The study of Astronomy was first taught by the Moors, in 1220, and by them introduced into England. The first Eclipse that we can find recorded, (and which was thought something very won- derful,) was in 720. From the 3d November, 1630, to the 9th March, 1631, a large Comet was visible to the naked eye, and approached so near to the earth, as to cause great alarm. Tea and Coffee was first introduced and used in England, in 1660. Coal was first discovered near New Castle, (England,) in 1234; and first used as fuel 1305. Anthracite coal began to be used in Philadel- phia, as fuel, in 1812 to 1815. The first Rice raised in America, was in South Carolina, in 1702. Sugar first made in India, in A. D. 620. Do. " in Sicily, in 1148. Do. " in the West Indies, in 1512. Do. " in New Orleans, in 1790 26 298 APPENDIX. Hemp and Flax first raised in England in 1533. Tallow Candles first invented and used in 1290. Gold first coined in Rome, A. D. 206, and Silver in 296. Copper coin first used in Scotland in 1340. Purnps were first invented in England in 1425. Weights and measures established in Eng- land, as they now are, in 1492. Hats first invented and made in Paris in 1404, and first made in England in 1510; pre- vious to which, cloth hoods were worn both by males and females. Engines to extinguish fires first invented in 1663. Writing paper first made in England in 1690. Glass first made in England in 1557, it was previously made elsewhere, as early as 1200, but history does not say where. Spectacles first invented in 1477. Telescopes first invented in 1590. Thermometers first invented in 1620. Barometers first invented in 1643. Seaman's Compass first invented by a Dutch- man in 1229. Quadrants first invented in Philadelphia, by T. Godfrey, but it is said that Hadley stole the invention from him. APPENDIX. 299 Large Fires. The largest fire that ever occurred in London, commenced on the 2d September, 1666, and continued four days, and con- sumed thirteen thousand houses, eighty-six churches and pub- lic buildings. St. Paul's Cathedral was among the number. The buildings were all destroyed on 400 streets. On the 21st September, 1776, while the British were in possession of New York, a fire occurred there, which con- sumed above 1000 houses, stores, churches, and other buildings. In December 1778, four hundred persons were burnt to death in the Theatre at Saragossa, in New Spain, during a theatrical performance. On the 26th December, 1811, the Theatre at Richmond, Virginia, took fire during a theatrical performance, and 72 persons were burnt to death, among whom were G. W. Smith, governor of the State, and several other distinguished charac- ters. On the 26th November, 1796, a fire in Savannah, Georgia, consumed two hundred and twenty-nine houses and other buildings. On the 24th Dec. 1802, a fire in Portsmouth, N. H., con- sumed 120 buildings. Another fire in said town, on the 22d December, 1813, consumed 370 buildings. And a third fire in that devoted town, in 1845, consumed about 40 more. On the 10th April, 1845, a large fire occurred at Pittsburgh, Pa., which destroyed all the business part of that thriving city, amounting to a million of dollars. A fire occurred in Alle- gheny town, adjoining Pittsburgh, soon afterwards, which con- sumed real and personal property to the amount of two hun- dred thousand dollars. On the 19th July, 1845, a very large and destructive fire occurred in New York, which consumed three hundred houses and stores, and a vast amount of goods, &c. ; the whole esti- mated at seven millions. It is said, that other fires which oc- curred in said city, the same year, amounted to a million more. A fire at Sacket or Sag-Harbour, N. Y., in 1845, destroy- ed property to the amount of two hundred thousand dollars ; and one at Rochester, destroyed property to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. And during said year, there were large fires at Albany, Troy, Utica, Saratoga, &c., which con- sumed property to the amount of half a million. On the night of January 21, 1847, one hundred buildings were destroyed by fire in Boston. 300 APPENDIX. Remarkable Earthquakes. Lima was swallowed up by an earthquake in 1740, and several thousand persons perished. Conception, in Chilly, was swallowed up by an earthquake, with all its inhabitants, in 1750. In 1693, one hundred and forty towns and villages were destroyed by an earthquake in Sicily, and one hundred thou- sand persons perished. On the 21st August, 1726, Palermo, in Italy, was destroy, ed by an earthquake, and about 10,000 persons perished. On the 1st October, 1755, Lisbon was swallowed up by an earthquake, and sixty thousand persons perished in six min- utes. On the spot where Lisbon stood, there is now one hun- dred fathoms of water. On the 30th October, 1755, Damascus was destroyed by an earthquake, with twelve thousand persons. On the 25th November, 1760, Tripoli was destroyed by an earthquake, with seven thousand inhabitants. On the 29th July, 1773, Guatimala, in New Spain, was swallowed up by an earthquake, with 30,000 inhabitants. In 1784, twelve thousand persons were swallowed up by an earthquake, at Ardchinschan, in Turkey. In 1792, Port Royal sunk into the sea, with a part of its inhabitants. The dead bodies were washed ashore in such numbers, (many thousands,) as to produce a pestilence, by which three thousand persons, (who had survived the earth- quake,) died. On the 4th November, 1797, Quito, in South America, was swallowed up by an earthquake, and forty thousand persons perished. In 1812, Caraccas was swallowed up by an earthquake, with twelve thousand inhabitants. On the 5th February, 1843, there were several shocks of earthquake in several of the West India Islands; during which, Point Peter was entirely destroyed, and fourteen thou- sand persons perished in a few minutes, while a great part of them were at breakfast. On the 7th May, 1843, Cape Ilaytian was destroyed by an earthquake, with seven thousand inhabitants. XII E END. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. LD DEC 9.1 1961 LD 21A-50m-8,'61 (Cl795slO)476B General Library University of California Berkeley Peirce. C. A meteor aocpunt of in Philadelphia ologlcal the weather P4P4 M178519 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY