Note 2 — Chapter XLII · THE MIDDLE AMUR.

The greatest heat, in July 1877, at Blagovestchensk was 89°·2, and at Greenwich 88°·2; but the greatest cold, in December, at Blagovestchensk was 32° below zero, as compared with 28°·7, the greatest cold at Greenwich. Speaking generally of the weather at Blagovestchensk, Mr. Ravenstein remarks that in the winter of 1859–60 it was fine until the middle of October. On the 4th November snow fell, and soon after the river was frozen. During December and January it was fine though cold, the temperature falling occasionally to 45° below zero, and at one time to 49°, and never rising more than 9°·5 above it. Violent storms occurred during November, and again in February. On the 2nd of April was the first thaw. Between the 6th and 9th of May the river became free of ice, and the last snow fell on the 12th, but without remaining on the ground. The greatest heat during the summer was 99°. The district of the Middle Amur enjoys a more favourable climate than the Upper Amur, though only so far as the summer months are concerned. These are free from hoar-frost, which, on the upper part of the river, is often destructive to the harvest. The winter is quite as long, and the Amur at Blagovestchensk is frozen over from the beginning of November to the commencement of May; and the Zeya some three weeks longer. The quantity of snow, however, is not too great to allow of the Manyargs keeping their horses throughout the winter pasturing in the open air.