winter and summer are not so great, and the rains are more
generally diffused through the year than formerly.

I have been thus particular in noticing the changes of the seasons, as
I think it would be a great advantage to the Province if a correct
register of the weather was kept, and the changes of the seasons
particularly attended to, as it would furnish data to guide the farmer
in his crops, by sowing more of the hardy grains, such as oats, barley,
peas, &c. as the seasons, (judging by a comparison with former years)
was likely to be warm or frosty; and not running so much on Indian
corn, which always requires hot seasons. Had this been attended to in
the cold seasons, less distress would have been felt in the country, as
oats, barley, &c. generally did well, when the other crops failed.

As I observed before, several causes have been assigned for the
difference between the climate of Europe and America, by persons who
have investigated that subject. But the causes of the alteration that
has taken place in the seasons in North America, remain yet a
desideratum with the learned. Whether the alteration is occasioned by
the precession of the equinoxes, or by the position of our globe with
the other planets, (for changes no doubt are taking place in the great
system of the universe, which, though slow, must produce powerful
effects,) or from whatever cause it may be, the effects are visible,
and cannot reasonably be wholly ascribed to the improvement of the
country, or any alteration that has taken place in it.

New-Brunswick appears to be but little liable to the great convulsions
of nature, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, &c. There has
been but one shock of an earthquake experienced by the present
inhabitants since they have settled the country. This shock happened on
the 22d May, 1817, at 25 minutes past three o'clock in the morning. The
duration of the shock was about 45 seconds. It was attended with the
usual rumbling noise, without thunder, the weather being very serene
and pleasant. The appearances, however, usually indicating earthquakes,
such as fiery meteors, the uncommon brilliancy of the aurora borealis,
&c. had been frequent the winter preceding.

I shall now proceed to notice the principal grains, roots, and grasses
cultivated in the Province, and give as correct an account of their
produce, &c. as the imperfect state of the agriculture of the country
will allow.

Wheat is sown from five