STRATFORD RAINFALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 10, 10 January 1913, Page 5

STRATFORD RAINFALL.

INFLUENCE OF THE BUSH. WHAT WILL THE FUTURE BRING P Nearly 'eighty inches of rain fell in Stratford during the year 1912, this torrential flood spreading itself over 199 days. In both the months of June and September, over twelve inches of rain fell, and on two separate days, as much as over three inches were registered. Chatting over these results with a reporter of the “Evening Post,” Mr T. H. Penn, the official recorder, said that ten years ago the average rainfall was only about 70 inches; but twenty years ago in 1892 or 1893 (the first year of which Mr Penn has any official record) the annual rainfall was 120 inches. After ’92, there seemed to have come a cycle of dry weather, which brought the average down to seventy, and then another cycle, in which the climate had become wetter, eighty being the average. Reasoning this out, it may be prophecicd that the next ten years will bring down the average, and our rainfall will wander in the vicinity of sixty-five, Denudation of the bush land is often cited as a main factor in determining our rainfall. It is strange, then, that just as the bush has fallen, our rainfall records have risen. Possibly, too much importance is attached to the influence of the bush in increasing our rainfall. One point may be noted, however, and it is this: Most of our rain comes from the north, and in the north the axe and the fire have been busy. Is it not reasonable to suppose that much of the moisture which the bush fire hitherto attracted now comes on to us unterrupted? The figures for the year 1912 are as follows:

Every farmer will find that a few Bee Hives will prove a most beneficial investment. While only raising enough honey to keep his own home supplied, he can a* the same time gain that practical knowledge and experience which will enable him to launch out on more extensive operations, with a good prospect of success. The occupation possesses a peculiar fascination, and is almost a form ot relaxation to many farmers and their families. Beginners should commence on a small scale, learn the ways of bees, how to handle them, and what kind of equipment to use. Make the bees pay for themselves and for additional appliances, as well as providing some profit, and allow the business to grow gradually, until it becomes a huge money-making concern.-—McMil-lan and Fredric, Specialists in Beekeepers’ Supplies. Sole Agents for Alliance Dovo-tailed Hives and Acne* Boriftt)

No. of Days. Highest. Total January 12 .47 2.27 February ... 10 2.58 5.68 March 17 1.89 5.92 April 19 2.44 7.22 May 15 1.61 5.36 June 2b 2.59 12.17 July 18 1.51 6.90 August 12 3.27 5.81 September 28 2.62 12.35 October 20 .80 4.90 November 19 3.13 8.58 December ... 4 .90 1.98 Total ... 199 — 70.11