Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057345).pdf/154

 KHE the provincial average, which was to be expected ; but iu 1868 the average in Oudh was 38 inches, when Kleri, close to the forest and the Hima- layas, had only 30. The following table exhibits the rainfall for eleven successive years : Years. Ineles Years. Inches. e. 510 33.0 1866 1866 1867 1868 1 869 1870 1871 187! 1873 1874 1875 702 692 443 283 67.1 30-3 GSS 3004 428 A Terage for eleven years 473 44. The accompanying table exhibits the rainfall for the last two years of drought, 1868 and 1873, each of which was followed, in 1869 and 1874 respectively by considerable scarcity. It will be noted that the entire rainfall was not scanty, but the distribution was capricious and unusual, and there was no rain during individual months in which it is much need- ed for agricultural purposes. There are four rainfalls, each of which must be propitious to secure a good harvest. First, the June rains, the former rains as they may be called. In 1873 there was only half an inch, not near enough to moisten the earth for the plough and to water the early rice. Second, the main monsoon, whiclı begins in July and ends at the commencement of October. This was sufficient in both years; but the fall in September, 1873, was only 3:1 inch, and it ceased too soon, viz., on Septem- ber 15th. Third, the latter or October rains, which are required to water the late rice and moisten the land for the winter ploughings. These were wholly deficient in both years. Fourth, the January-February rains, which were wholly wanting in 1869, and in 1874 were two inches. Speaking broadly, the rains commenced well in 1868, badly in 1873; they ended with a good fall in 1868, but too soon; in 1873; they were scanty for the last month, and ended still earlier in September. So far 1873 was much worse than 1868. Then there was absolutely no rain in either year from October till January, but in February there was no rain in 1869 and two inches in 1874. Rainfall 1868. 1873. 25.6 0-6 06 Rainfall from June 1st to October 1st Ditto from October Ist to December 31st, Ditto in June Ditto in September Ditto in October Date of raio commencing Ditto of raia endiog. Rain itt January February of ensuing year. 287 00 9.3 10.2 0.0 June 11th September 21st 001 0:0 June 13th September 15th 20