Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-05-02
During the month, s clear days.

During the month, clear days.
NorE. The weather this month, relative to
an Indictment atmosphere, has resembed, in a
high degree, that Of April 1881 There has been
little rain, and the prevailing winds have been Of
a Northerly cast. and Of bightiss character
Vegetation still continues to exist land small,
indeed, Is the varety,) in most deplorabIe con-
dition at this period of the Spring.
From all quarters OF the country the same
plainve note is sounded. that the severity of this
uncommon Winter and Spring has entirely blast
ed the prospect OF grain harvest, or so damaged
it that an average crop is despaired Of; and that,
in numerous instances, farmers have ploughed up
their wheat fields, with view to prepare them
for oats, corn, &c. This is truly most lament
able picture of the situation of Agriculture; but
it is drawn as it generally exists at this time.
Of the appearances Of a fruit harvest, little
can be said at present. other than, owing to late
severe frosts, we have, at best, discOuraging
prospect before US. Indeed, fruit trees have suf-
fered much from the same cause, and grave vines
have been seriously injured or destroyed. To
which may be added. that flowers. plants. &c.
which have been parlor fayorites for years, have
shared the same fate.
On the whole, after passing the severest Win
ter within the memory Of man, (for there is ne
other data) and encountering a very Indictment
Spring, the wonder is not that vegetation is in
condition so unfavorable, but the wonder is, says
an experienced cultvator, that, after what has
taken place, there is anything, of the vegetable
kind, left alive.
Agreeably to obituary notices, published in
journals in various sections of the U States, it
appears that the severity Of the past season has
also proved peculiarly fatal to those of advanced
age, and to those Of tender years. A greater
proportion of persons of those classes having
died than of intermediate ages.
Having heretofore published monthly tables of
the severity of the Winter, the above remarks,
relative to its effects on vegetation, &c. given
as the sequel of the subject. And now let the
scene be changed for topic in which all may re-
ceive satisfaction and pleasure: for though the
Earth, metaphorically speaking, has apparently
withheld her accustomed fruits, the Ocean has
certainly been almost overwhelming in her boun-
ty.
The Fisheries, certainly, constitute one Of the
grand staples of the River Potomac, and should,
receive every encouragement, faci-
lily, protection and support. from legal authori-
ties. They are of that vast Importance to this
city and the surrounding country, that they can
not be too highly valued.
Perhaps there never was more prolific fishing
season, relative to herring, than that OF this
Spring; and it affords the highest satisfaction. to
be enabled to state, that the fish appear to be of
a superior quality.
Shad made their appearance, this season, two
weeks sooner than usual, and three weeks pre-
vious to the commencement of the customary
fishing time. And though there have been many
brought to our market, they have not been taken
in such large quantities as in former years.
P. 5. A transit of the planet Mercury, over
the Suns disk, takes place on the 5th Of May, /
at thirty minutes after $, and end
ng at fifty-slx minutes after 10 O'Clock, in the
morning
Museum. .4pri so. 1852.