Spinelli, and "Cinq Mars," by Gounod, were also produced by the same company.

December.-8th-Henry Russell died, aged 88. 12th-Mr. Edward Lloyd took his farewell of London at the Albert Hall, and received an extraordinary outburst of enthusiasm. London County Council recommended that Sunday performances may be allowed to extend through September, and also to provide special open-air concerts on early-closing nights in certain districts. Sims Reeves's "Art of Singing," left in MS. by the great tenor, published by Chappell and Co. Copyright of song "O Divine Redeemer," by Gounod, sold for £616 10s. by Puttick & Simpson. 26th-M. Rivière, the conductor, died, aged 82.

January, 1901.-The principal operatic event was Mascagni's "Maschere," produced in Italy, The Incorporated Society of Music conference took place at Llandudno from the 1st to 4th. On the 11th, at the Popular Concerts, a new quartet in E minor, for strings, by Saint-Saens, was performed. Dr. Villiers Stanford was appointed conductor of the Leeds Musical Festival. 27thVerdi, the great operatic composer, died at Milan, aged 88. 29th-The Rev. H. R. Haweis, author of "Music and Morals," died, aged 63.

February. The musical season was temporarily checked by the death of Queen Victoria. Dr. E. J. Hopkins, fifty-five years organist of the Temple Church, died on the 4th, aged 82. The St. James's Hall Ballad Concerts re-commenced on the 6th; and the Crystal Palace Concerts, under Mr. A. Manns, were resumed. The Apollo Theatre opened on the 21st with the "Belle of Bohemia," by H. B. Smith and L. Englander; the opera, however, had but a short run.

March.-18th-The first Monday Popular Concert of the forty-third season took place. 23rd-Mr. R. D'Oyly Carte, founder of the Savoy and producer of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, died. 27th-A symphonic poem, by W. Wallace, was played at the Philharmonic Concert. Hugo Becker's Violoncello Concerto in A was the novelty at the Crystal Palace Concerts. Mr. Paul Kester's play, "Sweet Nell of Old Drury," was produced with great success at the Globe Theatre. 31st-Sir John Stainer, organist, and Inspector of Music under the Education Department, died.

April.-13th-The Italian Opera Season commenced. Puttick & Simpson sold the copyright of the part-song "Song of the Vikings," by E. Faning, for 248 125. 25th-The Joachim Quintet Party gave six concerts in St. James's Hall, commencing on this date, the platform being erected in the centre of the hall as in the old Musical Union days. 27th-"The Emerald Isle," by Basil Hood and Sir A. Sullivan, harmonised and orchestrated by E. German, was produced at the Savoy with great success. 29th-The London Musical Festival at the Queen's Hall began. Miss Alice Barnett, who created the part of Ruth in the "Pirates of Penzance in New York, died.

May.-4th-The London Musical Festival finished. The "Feis Ceoil" in Dublin met with great success. The Glasgow Choral Union assisted at the opening of the International Exhibition. 28th-Villiers Stanford's opera, "Much Ado about Nothing," was produced at Covent Garden. "The Only Way" revived at the Apollo. A new comedy, "Women are SQ Serious," by Brandon Thomas, was produced at the Globe. A violin, by A. Stradivari (1714), was sold by Puttick & Simpson for £660. The deaths

of H. F. Frost (organist and musical critic, Franz Rummel (the well-known pianist), and Cornelius Gurlitt (composer) took place this month.

June.-3rd-Bechstein's Concert Hall opened in Wigmore Street. 15th-The Patti Concert was given at the Albert Hall. E. Elgar's overture, "Cockaigne," was performed at the last Philharmonic Concert, and was received with great approbation. 23rd-Charles Salaman, the composer, died, aged 87. 27th-The Peterborough and Lincoln Triennial Festival. Mme. Sarah Bernhardt had a short season at Her Majesty's, and received a cordial reception. At the Lyric, a musical extravaganza, "The Silver Slipper," produced, and "A Lady of Texas at the Great Queen Street Theatre. "Becky Sharp," adapted from "Vanity Fair," produced at the Grand, Croydon. Max Golberg's "Secrets of the Harem," a play produced in 1896, prohibited by the Lord Chamberlain.

July. A performance of Purcell's "Fairy Queen"; great interest was attached to the performance in consequence of the valuable find by J. S. Shedlock in the Royal Academy of Music of a score containing some additional numbers, said to have been missing 200 years. 16th-"The Vengeance of Mrs. Vansittart" was produced at the Garrick. 30th-The Royal Italian Opera Season finished with Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet." A Flemish double harpsichord of the 17th century realised £40 at Puttick & Simpson's sale. The deaths of John Farmer (of Oxford), Alfredo Piatti, and Miss Emily Shinner were recorded.

August.-5th-The new Grand Theatre, Llandudno, opened. "A Man of His Word," by Boyle Lawrence, produced at Imperial Theatre on the 21st. 22nd-"The Giddy Goat" at Terry's. 24th-The Promenade Concerts began at Queen's Hall. 27th-"Becky Sharp," adapted by R. Hichens and C. G. Lennox, at the Prince of Wales's.

September.-Gloucester Musical Festival from 8th to 13th. New cantatas by Sir H. Parry and Sir F. Bridge. Rhyl Pier Pavilion destroyed by fire on the 14th. The death of Kellow J. Pye, musical composer, aged 95, was announced on the 22nd. This month's theatrical productions were numerous: "When We were Twenty," by H. F. Esmond, Comedy, on the 2nd; "John Durnford, M.P.," by Stuart Ogilvie, Court, on the 5th; Sherlock Holmes," Lyceum, on the 9th "The Whirl of the Town," musical play by H. Morton and G. Kerker, Century (Adelphi), on the 11th; "Are you a Mason?" Shaftesbury, on the 12th; "The Undercurrent," by R.C.Carter, Criterion, on the 14th; "The Great Millionaire," by C. Raleigh, Drury Lane, on the roth; "Iris," by A. W. Pinero, Garrick, on the 21st.

:

POLITICAL.

October, 1900.-General Baden-Powell assumed command at Pretoria of the Military Police (1st). Treaty concluded between British and German Governments dealing with their respective action in China (16th). Count Von Waldersee reached Pekin and assumed command of the International Forces (17th). The Transvaal annexed by proclamation (25th). The General Election completed, leaving the Unionists in a majority of 134 (30th).

November.-Severe defeat of De Wet near Bothaville by Col. Le Gallais and General Charles Knox (5th). Mr. McKinley re-elected President of the United States by a majority of 137 in the Electoral College (6th). The Canadian

Election resulted in the defeat of Sir Charles Tupper (7th). Arrest of conspirators at Johannes. burg on the alleged accusation of plotting to assassinate Lord Roberts (16th). Ex-President Kruger arrived at Marseilles (22nd).

December. The 15th Parliament of Queen Victoria opened (3rd). Ex-President Kruger arrived at the Hague; the Afrikander Congress opened in Cape Colony (6th). Ex-President Kruger received by Queen Wilhelmina (8th). Mr. Davis's amendment to the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty carried in the Senate by 65 to 17 votes (13th). The Supplementary War Loan and Appropriation Bill passed, and Parliament prorogued to Feb. 14th (15th). The first Federal Ministry of Australia formed by Mr. Barton (30th).

January, 1901.-Inauguration at Sydney of the Australian Commonwealth (1st). Mr. Malan, editor of Ons Land, arrested on charge of libel for reflecting on the conduct of General French (6th). Mass meeting held at Battersea to protest against the war, and addressed by Mr. John Burns, M.P. (13th). Both Houses of Parliament assembled in order that members might take the oath of allegiance to King Edward VII. (23rd). An address of sympathy with the King passed in both Houses (25th).

February-Marriage of the Queen of Holland and Duke Henry of Mecklenburgh-Schwerin at the Hague; (7th). Marriage of the Princess of Asturias to Prince Carlos of Bourbon at Madrid; King Edward VII. opens his first Parliament in person (14th). The debate on the address lasted from the 14th to the 26th. In the House of Lords Lord Avebury moved the appointment of a select committee on hours of labour in shops (26th).

March. The Army Estimate, amounting to £87,915,000 for 450,000 men, issued in the House of Commons (1st). The excommunication of Count Tolstoi published in Russia (10th). The Navy Estimates, £30,875,676, introduced into the House of Commons by Mr. Arnold Forster (18th). Sir R. Reid presented a petition from Mr. Merriman and Mr. Sauer, asking that they might be heard at the Bar of the House (25th); a request which Mr. Balfour refused (28th). The elections to the first Federal Parliament of Australia took place (29th).

April.-Monmouth Borough election petition trial concluded at Newport, Dr. Rutherfoord Harris being unseated (2nd). The Federal elections in Australia concluded with a small majority for Mr. Barton's Ministry (5th). The Australian Federal Ministry held its first sitting at Melbourne (10th). The Budget resolution raising the income-tax to 1s. 2d. in the passed by 363 to 88 votes (23rd). Deputations to Sir M. Hicks-Beach protesting against the proposed tax on export coal (26th and 29th).

May.--Meeting at Cardiff of delegates representing 170,000 colliers to protest against the coal-tax; resolutions passed at public meetings in Malta against imposing the English language upon the inhabitants (6th). First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia opened by the Duke of Cornwall and York (9th). Arabi Pasha and Mustapha Femy permitted to return to Egypt after 19 years' banishment (22nd). Sir Alfred Milner reached England from the Cape (24th).

June-Affray between English and French and German soldiers at Tientsin; Kruitzinger's commando captured the village of Jamestown (2nd). Count Von Waldersee left Pekin (3rd). De Wet defeated with loss of convoy, ammunition, and prisoners near Reitz (6th).

The

National Reform Union entertained Sir William Harcourt and Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman to dinner (14th). Mr. Findley, Labour member for Melbourne, expelled from the Victorian Assembly for reproducing in a Melbourne newspaper the article libelling the King which appeared in the Irish People (25th).

July,-Meeting of the Liberal Party at the Reform Club to discuss their differences; a unanimous vote of confidence in the leadership of Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman passed 9th). Meeting at the Guildhall, a resolution expressing complete confidence in the South African policy of the Government passed (roth). Lord Rosebery issued his letter to the City Liberal Club on the state of the Liberal Party 16th). Earl Russell tried by his peers for bigamy and sentenced to three months' imprisonment 18th). Dinner to Mr. Asquith (19th). Lord Milner presented with the freedom of the City of London (23rd). Mr. Van Rhyn, member of the Cape Legislative Council, arrested on a charge of treason (31st).

August.-Death of the Empress Frederick of Germany (5th). Lord Milner left Southampton for Cape Town; Unionist Demonstration at Blenheim Palace (10th). Death of Signor Crisp, (11th). Parliament prorogued to Nov. 5th 17th).

September.-Dr. E. Krause, formerly one of the officials of the late Boer Government, arrested in London on a charge of high treason in the Transvaal (2nd). Capture of the whole of Lotter's commando with all their belongings by Col. Scobell, near Petersburg, Cape Colony (5th). President McKinley shot by an Anarchist (6th). Universal Peace Congress opened in Glasgow (10th). Death of President McKinley (14th).

RELIGION.

October, 1900.-Bishop Bickersteth, of Exeter, announced his resignation. "Round Table Conference" on Holy Communion met (roth to 13th) at Fulham. Rev. Charles Garrett, Wesleyan, of Liverpool, died on 21st. At the annual conference of the Congregational Union at Newcastle, Mr. Carvell Williams said disestablishment would alone restore Protestantism to the Church of England. On 29th, a service of thanksgiving for return of C.I.V.'s was held at St. Paul's.

November.-Formal complaint of ritual irregularities was made against five London incumbents. Round Table Conference report showed divergence of views respecting the Real Presence in the Holy Communion. Lord Halifax suggested as a compromise the alternative use of the First Prayer Book of Edward VI. On 28th, Bishop Creighton refused to allow the ritual complaints to proceed.

December.-Dr. Herbert Ryle, son of the late Bishop of Liverpool, appointed to Exeter diocese. On 19th, the second "Memorial Service for those who have fallen in the war" in South Africa was held in St. Paul's. Dr. Parker, of the City Temple, edited the Sun during the week before Christmas. The last night of the century was observed by special services at St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey.

January, 1901. - Impressive New Century Services at Canterbury Cathedral, &c. Bishop Creighton died on Monday, 14th, and was buried in St. Paul's on 17th, being the first Bishop interred in the present cathedral. On 22nd, Queen Victoria died. Each day until the funeral a special Memorial Service was used at St. Paul's. On 27th, the Primate preached; it was estimated that 30,000 people could not gain admission.

February.-Special services on 2nd at St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey, in connection with the Queen's funeral at Windsor. On 21st, a meeting was held at the Mansion House to perpetuate the memory of Bishop Creighton. On 22nd, the Twentieth Century League was formed for strengthening and multiplying organisations for providing wholesome recreation for the young.

March. On 4th, Chancellor Kempe monished the Rev. R. C. Fillingham, vicar of Hexton, Herts, who was convicted for "brawling" in Kettlebaston Church, Suffolk, to refrain from again offending. On 6th, Canon Bright, Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Oxford, writer of several favourite hymns, died. On 8th, the Bishop of Stepney, Dr. A. F. WinningtonIngram, formerly head of Oxford House, Bethnal Green, was appointed Bishop of London.

April.-On 1st, the death of Sir John Stainer was announced. He died at Verona, and was buried at Oxford. Dr. Lang, vicar of Portsea, was appointed Canon of St. Paul's, and subsequently Bishop of Stepney. At the confirmation of Bishop Ingram's election on 17th, the Rev. R. C. Fillingham and Mr. Kensit made protests, which caused disorder. The Bishop was enthroned on 29th, wearing cope and mitre.

May. Dr. Paget, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, was appointed Bishop of Oxford. Mr. J. H. Dennis gave £15,000 for the erection of the central tower of Truro Cathedral. A deputation from a committee representing professing Christians in Scotland waited upon the Scottish Bishops and General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church, in favour of a day of prayer for unity.

June. At London Diocesan Conference, the Bishop was requested to summon a second Round Table Conference. The final meeting of the S. P.G. Bicentenary celebration in London took place on 21st. Only about £50,000 had been received towards £250,000. On 27th, the confirmation of the election of Dr. Paget took place at the Church House instead of Bow Church, Cheapside, owing to the former unseemly proceedings.

July.-On 15th, the Bishop of London held a dismissal service on the "Discovery" at Blackwall, prior to its voyage to the Antarctic regions, presenting to the ship a Bible and Prayer Book. The Archbishop of York was presented with a pastoral staff on completing ten years as Northern Primate. On 25th, the Bishop of Tasmania was elected secretary of the S.P.G. in succession to Prebendary Tucker. On 27th, Bishop Westcott, of Durham, died, after a week's illness.

August.-Mr. Somers Clarke issued a report as to the security of St. Paul's, pointing out the danger of further excavations in its vicinity. Dr. Moule, Norrisian Professor of Divinity at Cambridge, was appointed on 21st to the See of Durham. On 24th, Archbishop and Mrs. Temple celebrated their silver wedding.

September.-Third Ecumenical Conference of the Methodist Churches, representing 30 millions of Methodists, was opened on 4th in Wesley's Chapel. The Primate sent a message of hearty goodwill, which was subsequently cordially acknowledged. The Bishop of London wrote a letter expressing a hope for reunion.

The reply

pointed out the difficulties. At the final meeting on the 17th, an address was sent to the King, and a Memorial Service was held for President McKinley. On 19th, Memorial Services also held at St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey. Mr. W. P. Hartley, Liverpool, offered last 5,000 to Methodist Million Guineas Fund,

SOCIAL.

October, 1900.-The Earl of Hopetoun entertained at a farewell dinner at the Hotel Cecil (3rd). Death of the Marquess of Bute, K.T. (9th). Sir Redvers Buller started on his return to England (20th). City Imperial Volunteers reach Southampton on their return from the Cape; Sipido, who attempted the Prince of Wales's life, arrested at Billancourt (27th). Death in S. Africa of Prince Christian of Schles wig-Holstein; march of City Imperial Volunteers from Paddington to St. Paul's and Guildhall (29th). Polling of the last constituency, Orkney and Shetland, in the General Election (30th).

November.-Viscount Wolseley, at the Cutlers' Feast at Sheffield, advocated Army reform (1st).. The Prince of Wales presided at a dinner given by the Honourable Artillery Company to those of its members who had served in the C.I.V. (2nd). Sir Redvers Buller reached Southampton (9th). In the Taff Vale Railway appeal case the Judges decided that a trade union cannot be sued (21st). Sir Redvers Buller presented with a sword of honour at Exeter; death of Sir A. Sullivan (22nd).

December.-The Prince of Wales arrived at Marlborough House from Sandringham; Sir Redvers Buller admitted to the Honorary Freedom and Livery of the Skinners' Company (4th). Luncheon party given at Kensington Palace by H.R.H. Princess Louise and the Duke of Argyll to Canadians who had returned from the war (5th). Mary, Countess of Derby, died (6th). The Queen held a private investiture at Windsor (10th). Irish Exhibition at Windsor opened by Princess Henry of Battenberg after being visited by the Queen (12th). Diplo matic and Official Court held at Windsor (13th). The Queen reached Osborne from Windsor (18th).

January, 1901.-The Queen received Lord Roberts at Osborne and conferred upon him an Earldom and the Garter (2nd). Death of Bishop Creighton (14th). Official announcement that the Queen's health is a cause of anxiety (19th). Illness of the Queen takes a serious turn (20th). Arrival of German Emperor in London (21st). Death of Queen Victoria (22nd). The Prince of Wales reached London and held his first Council as King at St. James's Palace (23rd). The Prince of Wales proclaimed King Edward VII. (24th). Illness from german measles of H.R.H. the Duke of Cornwall and York (29th). Arrival in London of the King of Portugal and foreign representatives for the Queen's funeral (30th).

February.-Queen Victoria's body brought from Osborne to Portsmouth (1st). Queen's funeral procession through London (2nd). The Queen's body laid in the Mausoleum, Frogmore (4th). The King thanks the Empire for the sympathy and tributes of affection shown (5th). Departure of the German Emperor for Germany; Presentation by Mr. F. J. Horniman, M.P., of his museum at Forest Hill to the L.C.C. for public use (6th). Definite announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York are to visit Australia (8th). The Hertford Hospital in Paris handed over to the British Government (18th). Departure of the King for Germany (23rd).

March. London County Council election, progressive majority 53 (2nd). Mr. Ritchie addressed a meeting in London on Commercial Education (4th). Mr. Chamberlain speaks in London on women's emigration (13th). The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York left

London to start on their visit to Australia and the Colonies (15th). Mr. Ritchie speaks in London on the housing of the working classes (19th). Verdict for the plaintiff, with 200 damages, in the libel action "Chamberlain v. Morning Leader and Star newspapers" (26th). April.-Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, on board the Ophir, reached Aden (5th). Lord Salisbury went to the South of France (6th). Fête at Kandy in honour of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (12th). The Duke and Duchess left Ceylon (16th). The Congress of International Association of Learned Societies opened in Paris (16th). Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York reached Singapore (21st). Mr. McHugh, M.P., proprietor of the Sligo Champion, sentenced to six months' imprisonment (22nd).

May. The Duke of Cornwall landed at Melbourne (6th). The Duchess of Cleveland died; the Alexandra Palace reopened as a recreation ground (18th). The King was on board the Shamrock II. when she was dismasted in a squall in the Solent (22nd). Naval and Military Exhibition at the Crystal Palace opened by Earl Roberts (23rd). Sir Alfred Milner entertained at lunch by Mr. Chamberlain (25th).

June. The King and Queen received members of the New York Chamber of Commerce at Windsor (1st). Sale of the Barrois MSS. of the Ashburnham Library (£33,217 6s. 6d.) (roth to 14th). Duke of Cornwall reaches Auckland (11th). Mr. Balfour presided at a banquet given to Sir John Tenniel in commemoration of his long association with Punch 12th). Arrest of Earl Russell on a charge of bigamy (7th). Duke and Duchess of Cornwall enthusiastically received at Wellington, N.Z. (18th). Earl Russell committed for trial on the charge of bigamy at the Central Criminal Court; Duke of Cornwall reached Christchurch (22nd).

July. The Duke of Cornwall landed at Hobart; the Queen received 770 members of the Nurses' Institute at Marlborough House (3rd). Luncheon at the Mansion House to Mme. Sarah Bernhardt; the Duke of Cornwall reached Adelaide (8th). The King left London to visit the Grand Duke Michael of Russia at Keele Hall, N. Staffs. (12th). Ceremonial progress of the Duke of Cornwall through Perth; the Congress on Tuberculosis opened in London by the Duke of Cambridge on behalf of the King; the King received the American ladies who equipped the Maine hospital ship, and accepted a commemorative medal (22nd). The Duke of Cornwall left Australia for the Mauritius (26th). August.-Death of Lady Hilda Brodrick 1st). Duke of Cornwall reached Mauritius (5th); Durban (13th). The King reached Homburg (14th). Duke of Cornwall reached Cape Town (18th). The Queen arrived at Copenhagen (20th). The Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs. Temple celebrated their silver wedding (24th). Mr. R. W. Hanbury presented with the freedom of the City of Glasgow in recognition of his services in promoting municipal telephones (29th).

September.-Duke of Cornwall reached St. Vincent; the German Emperor received at Potsdam Palace a deputation of the Dover Harbour Board (3rd). Marriage of Captain Oswald Ames and Miss Violet Dorothea Cecil (5th). The King left Homburg 6th); arrived in Denmark (8th). Lord Balfour of Burleigh and Mr. Andrew Carnegie presented with the freedom of the City of Glasgow (10th). Duke of Cornwall reached Quebec (16th). Lord Rosebery unveiled a statue of King Alfred at Winchester (20th).

WEATHER AND NATURAL

HISTORY.

October, 1900.--Wheat sowing was in full progress in England, the land working splendidly, and the main crop of potatoes was secured. The yield of hops was greater than was expected, and the weather was entirely favourable to the ingathering, but the crop was not heavy. Heavy rains occurred towards the close of the month, and floods were experienced in the north of England. The weather was generally mild, and some high temperatures occurred, the 8th and 9th being warmer than any day so late in October during the last sixty years.

November.-There was a marked absence of bright sunshine during the month, and the weather was as dreary as an English November well could be. Rain was very frequent, but it was not heavy, in the eastern districts, and the wheats and other growing crops presented a particularly flourishing appearance. The first frost of the winter occurred at Greenwich on the 11th, when the thermometer fell to 27° in the shade and to 20° on the grass.

December.-Mild weather characterised the whole month, the mean temperature being 6° in excess of the average at Greenwich, and throughout the whole period there were only two frosts. Much wheat was threatening to become "winterproud." The number of days with rain during the year ranged from 255 in the north of Scotland to about 180 in the midland counties and in the south of England. The rainfall for the year at Greenwich was 22'3 in., which is 2 in. less than the average. The mean temperature for the year was 51, or 1° below the average for the last sixty years.

January.-Stormy and unsettled weather prevailed over a large part of the country, and fairly heavy falls of snow were experienced. A cold snap occurred at the beginning of the month in many parts of England. At Greenwich the total rainfall was o'76 in., which is 1'17 in. below the average. Frost occurred in the shade on eleven nights, and on the grass on twenty-one nights. The weather was fairly favourable for earlylambing flocks.

February. The weather was generally very cold, and frost occurred in the shade at Greenwich on seventeen nights, but the wheats over the country looked very little the worse for their prolonged trial by frost, although greatly without the protection of snow. It was for the most part dry, although at times snow occurred. The mean temperature at Greenwich was 36°, which is 4 below the average. The days were relatively colder than the nights, and there was very little sunshine.

Marsh.-Scarcely any opportunity for the spring sowing offered itself. From a farmer's point of view the weather was as bad as it well could be, and extremely unfavourable for field work. The month opened with characteristic roughness, and bitterly cold and searching northeast winds were experienced during a great part of the month, while snow and sleet occurred frequently. There was an excess of rain at Greenwich, the total fall being 1'98 in.; and the mean temperature was slightly below 40°, or about 3° below the average. Frosts were of frequent occurrence.

April.-The month opened with mild weather, but rain was frequent until the middle of the month, and the farmers' prospects seemed hous

May. The warm rains at the commencement helped the germination of seeds materially, and gave promise of a fair hay crop. The sunny days and the cold north-east winds gave great range of temperature, a trying feature to most all vegetation. The latter part of the month was dry. In the week ending May 18 there were 100 outbreaks of swine fever in Great Britain. The temperature at Greenwich was in good agreement with the average, and the rainfall was slightly deficient; the amount of bright sunshine was, however, much larger than usual.

June. The dry weather, which was so persistent, promised a very short harvest, although the rains at the commencement of the month did a large amount of good in many parts of the country. There was much more sunshine than usual, but the mean temperature at Greenwich was rather below the average. The days were cold in the middle of the month, but this was compensated for by the warm days at the commencement and end of the month. The rainfall at Greenwich was 1'53 in., which is about o'5 in. less than the average.

July. The wheat was brought on rapidly towards the harvesting stage by the continuance of dry weather, and the abnormal heat which set in. The corn harvest was nearly finished in the south of France. Towards the close of the month ample rains were experienced. The temperature was above the average, the mean being 65 5. The rainfall was again deficient; the total at Greenwich was 1'69 in., which is o'7 in. less than usual.

August.-Splendid harvest weather occurred at the commencement, and a good start was made in the early districts, while before the middle of the month it had also been commenced in parts of Scotland and Ireland. In spite of the harvest, farmers were anxious for rain, especially in the south, where feed for the present and root crops for the winter are paramount. The ponds were quite dry in places, but heavy rain occurred generally before the end of the month. The temperature at Greenwich was in good agreement with the average, but the rainfall was somewhat deficient.

September.-The rains during the early part of the month interfered somewhat with hop picking, but the rainfall was not generally heavy, and before the month had ended drought was again a factor of importance. It was not only the farmer who required rain, but in several of the centres of industry in the north of England a water famine was threatened, and in the northwestern districts the deficiency of rain since the commencement of the year exceeds 6 in. mean temperature at Greenwich was slightly above the average, but the rainfall was greatly deficient.

The