CHAPTER Vm.
 

(1745-1763,)
 

Ci^ Offioials Watched the Drawing: of Government Lotteries—^Fint Reward

for Firemen—Erection of First Theatre—Origin of Public Ezohanges—

Qovemor Oflbome Sucoeeda Clinton and Ellis Himself.

The variiibllity of the weather in and around New York occasLous
much comment from the strangers within her gates, and frequently
causes wonder among many of her citizens. Were It not for the Intense
curiosity of the New Yorker, the weather's fretful moods would paira
unnoticed. But when any unusual condition prevails he must have the
opinion of tbe weather "Bharps," the meteorologists and tbo "oldest Inbah-
Itant," and the relatlou, if any, of seismic conditions in TImbuctoo with
Old Sol's pranks. He Is catered to by the newspapers every day, and yet is
apparently not sallsflcd. For bis further Interest here la a history of
weather conditions in New York over one hundred years ago from an old
manuscript, by which he may draw as many compcrisons as bla years
permit:

^"The average temperature of our atmosphere throughout the year Is
55 degrees of FahrenbeU's thermometer; and that is also tbe temperature
of the deepest wells. The greatest degree of cold evor experienced Is alx
or ten degrees below zero; hut that Is very rare, only one or two instancoe
having occurred within a century, when the bay and hart>or were partially
closed with ice for a few days. In winter the thermometer rarely sinks
lower than ten or twenty degrees below the frocKing point, and in s few
hours the cold always moderates- The vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean and
the Gulf Stream produces a perceptible Inlluence on our atmosphere, and
conduces to ameliorate the rigor of tho winter. The snow seldom continues
longer than two or three weeks in January or February, and early In March
the winter breaks up. The highest temperature In auinmer is seldom more
than 8Q or 90 degrees. B,nd Is never of long continuance. The sultriness Is
frequently relieved by refreshing showers and winds from the north and
west, accompanied by vivid lightning and loud peals of thunder From tho
middle of September to about the last of October the atmosphere will gen¬
erally vie with any In the world for serenity and beauty; indeed, that
period is by far tho pleosantest of any season of the year In this climate.

'^Winter usually sets in about Christmas and continues for about two
months. The flrst frosts appear about the middle of October, and the last
are uaually seen In April, and very rarely In May. Qardening In tbe vicinity
begins in March, and tho forests are In full leaf In the l^.tier part of April
or tho beglaning of May.   Sudden changes of tcmperatuie occur in summer

4'