The Press., 1894-03-29
Letter from North Dakota.


 Now that spring has come we may look backward and review the winter and re- cord our observations. As to weather, we have no fault to find. We recall the se- verity of weather we had in November, and the many predictions from all sorts of observers that we should have long and severe season; but some of the prophets have been belied. The weather has not favored them all. Those longest in the country say the winter has been one of the best ever granted to them. There have been no real blizzards, with possibly one exception, and that was of brief dura- tion There has not been but a moderate fall of snow, and the temperature has been endurable. A few days were too se- were for much stirring about, but there are no lingering unpleasantnesses in the memory. ".h
 It is the belief of some people that the three days along near the 20th of Decem- Der, say from the 18th to the s1st, indi- cate the general character of the weather for the next three months. We have given some attention to this, and have marked coincidence. Thus the 18th of last December was cold, but pleasant; i; the 2Oth was clear, bright and warm enough to thaw a little; the 21st was even more pleasant; and the prevailing wind these three days was north and northwest. Now that has been the wind for the three months just closed: Very little wind has came from any other quarter, and the weather has answered to the forecasting. From boyhood l have observed the last Friday as the almanac day for the next month. This old wealth er-forecaster is familiar to all New Eng lander's. Some persons include the last Saturday together with the Friday, when both come together. Now it is fact that the Friday sign, and the three De- cember days before named, have told the same story this winter.
 Some of our famous weather prophets, such as Hicks and Foster, who have many followers hereabouts, and rightly too, we think, have not so truly predicted the weather for us as the days. Take March up to date, and these days have been justified in their forecasting by the wealth. CT that has prevailed. Their prophecy is better than that of Hicks or Foster We have had delightful March. Not but two or three unpleasant days thus far. No high winds, no chilling south winds, no snow-storms, no rain-storms, but much sunny weather taking the snow all off, bringing the frost out, and the birds back to us with the gophers from their holes. A lovely March indeed. Preparations are going forward for the spring work. It it is expected, however, that April will be severe enough to make up for this month :; but we will not anticipate.
 We are far from large towns, and no small towns are very close by. There are no attractions on the prairies, and so we have to look to ourselves for pleasure and profit.
 We are surprised at the quick passing of the winter. It does not seem possible we can put off lamp lighting until seven o'clock or past, but so it is. The winter days are short, and are soon filled np,- choring and a little office work.
 There is not much teaming, as there is nothing to haul. A few have timber along the river and do some cutting for stove use. A good many use ice that is cut from the river. and few teams haul it. Still this is small industry. A good many horses are wintered, and hay is drawn in from the prairies as it is needed. Very little grain is put on the market. This year there is no price for it, and no great amount in the country.
 The evenings are long, as the people here are not early to bed. Card and dancing parties are numerous, but usual ly of social character. A lyceum has been successfully run all winter, with large attendance for the older people; and one of the pastors has had league for the young people, which has been good thing. The "W. c. T. U's." and "J.'s'' have been active. These, with the church work, have kept the people busy and