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that in July it was cold, dull, and unsettled, with a great want of
sunshine, so that on 5 days only was it pleasant and summerlike.
In August similar weather prevailed to that in July, so that the
crops were kept back and damaged by a heavy storm on the 25th.
The rainfall was heavy and frequent, as the total in the two
months amounted to 7.11, which was more than 2 inches in excess
of the average. In September the weather was fine from the 7th,
with much sunshine, so that the temperature was more than 6 deg.
in excess of several days, but the cool nights kept the mean
temperature for the month more than 1 deg. below that of July.
October was mild and wet, the rainfall having reached the
large amount of 4.32 inches, which was more than 1½ inches in
excess. The mean temperature in London was generally below the
average up to November 10th, when it became higher, but for the
next few days it became warmer until on the 19th, which was
quite a summer-like day, it was 11.2 deg. above the mean. It was
then cold for a few days, then became warm again, with changes
from warmth to cold up to the end of the year. The mean resultant
was 1.2 deg. for October ; 0.4 for November ; and 1.5 for
December. The rain was nearly 2 inches in excess, having reached
9.84 inches.
As regards mortality and number of deaths, there did not
seem to be any decided relation, as the departures from ordinary
temperatures were not very large, and the fogs were not accompanied
by extreme cold.
Dust Collection.—The collection of dust and other home refuse
during the year 1891 has been a source of great anxiety to those
having its superintendence. During the first quarter of the year,
when the old Contractors carried out the work, the dust was
removed regularly according to notice and without friction, but
when a new Contractor was appointed to B and C Divisions at
lower prices the trouble began. Mr. Potter, the newly appointed
Contractor, and subsequently his sureties, tried to remove the dust