Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 4.djvu/522

492 in this climate, are very trying to those unaccustomed to them. It often happens that in the moining there are 5° or 6° heat, and in the evening 10° or 12° frost. These changes are very dangerous to those who may happen to Ijo exposed to wet — the extremities being apt to be frozen. The keen winds on the hQIs are often fatal to those who may not be properly clothed. The climate l)eiiig so variable, it is, of course, very diffi- cult to offer any opinion as to what it may be during the ensuing season ; but in any case, cold weather must be looked for, and would be very difficult to guard against unless with the aid of warm houses and warm clothing. Frost declares itself sometimes as early as the 5th or 6th of December, sometimes towards the end of the month. In 1853 there was incessant rain during the month of December and till the 15th January, Avhen frost set in, and in twenty-four hours there were 15° frost, which con- tinued with more or less intensity for seventeen days. In the year 1842 frost set in the 27th December, and lasted, with short intervals of thaw, till the 27th February 1842. The winters of 1843-44, and 1844-45, were mild; 1845-G-7 were severe; from 1847 to 1853 there has always been more or less frost, and once during that period 17° Reau- mur of frost. On an average, I should say, then, 10° or 12° frost may be looked for. PRINTED EY WIU.IAM BLAfKWOOD AND SO-'Ta y