ate of New York, and
New Orleans, in Louisiana. At most places the difference is slight, either
way. South of the latitude of 40 deg. heavy snows are more likely to occur in
the last half of January and first half of February than earlier. About
the middle of the month we may expect thaws of more permanence in normal
seasons. They are followed, as in January, by N. W. wind and cold weather,
but it is not usually as severe. Many years since, an observing old man
said to me, "_Winter's back breaks about the middle of February_." And I
have observed that there is usually a yielding of the extreme weather
about that period. Here, again, it is interesting and instructive to look
at the tables, and see how regularly and uniformly the temperature rises
in all latitudes, at the same time; as early and as rapidly at Quebec as
at New Orleans or San Antonio; and subsequently rises with greatest
rapidity where the descent was greatest. The elevation of temperature does
not progress northwardly, a wave of heat accompanying the sun, but is a
magneto-electric change, commencing about the same time over the whole
country, and indeed over the hemisphere.

March is a peculiar month--the month of what is termed, and aptly termed,
"unsettled weather." It, may "come in like a lion," or be variable at the
outset. The northern transit is fairly started, and is progressing
rapidly, and there is great magnetic irritability. A reference to the
table of Dr. Lamont will show that the declination has increased with
great rapidity. Normally, the early part is like the latter part of
February, and the latter part approaches the milder but still changeable
weather of April. Its distinguishing feature is violent westerly wind. Not
the regular N. W. only--although that is prevalent--but a peculiar
westerly wind, ranging from W. by N. to N. W. by W., often blowing with
hurricane violence. This wind was alluded to on page 130. With the change
and active transit to the north, in February and in March, comes the
tendency to diseases of the respiratory organs--pneumonias and lung
fevers--and this is the most dangerous period of the year for aged people.

April is a milder and more agreeable month. During some period of it, in
normal seasons, and at other times in March, there is a warm, quiet,
genial, "lamb-"like _spell_, exceedingly favorable for oat seeding. When
it comes, advantage should be taken of it, for long heavy N. E. storms are
liable to occur, an