Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057345).pdf/21

 HAR 13 out. A plan has been submitted for draining the station. Locusts have occasionally been destructive over small areas. None of the rivers flood their banks to a serious extent, but the jhíls in Báwan and Sandila sometimes cover a large extent of ground with their overflow. Another table is appended showing the rainfalls of previous years, which are given for what they are worth ; they were taken at the Hardoi dispeu- sary :- Average fall of rain in Hardoi district, accorabad, a the revenue report taken at Hardoi, Bilgrám, Shahding tond Sandila. Years, Inches, Remarks. 1865 1866 1867 1869 1869 1870 1871 1872 3873 1874 1875 80.0 29-0 6703 24.2 28.1 46.4 448 33'2 210 41.6 28.6 A Ferage for ?1 years, 35.7 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 scanty, the distribution capricious and unusual, and there was no rain during individual months in which it is much needed for agricul- tural purposes. There are four rainfalls, each of which must be propitious to secure a good harvest. 1st.—The June rains, the former rains as they may be called. In 1873 they came only to one-third of an inch, quite insuficient to moisten the carth for the plough and to water the early rice. 2nd.-The main monsoon, which commences in July and ends at the commencement of October. This was barely sufficient in either year, but the fall in September, 1868, was only 1.8 inches, and it ceased too soon, viz., on September 20th. 3rd.-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. 4th.— The January-February rains, which were wholly wanting in 1869, and in 1874 were only one-third of an inch,