S bc t of the State, and on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the range is ted at 35 inches per annum. The general average is about half that of the ates east of the Mississippi. This average increases northward. At Humldt it is about 45 inches, and at Vancouver's island about 65 inches per am. At Port Townshend, on Puget sound, the distinction between the wet 7d the dry season is practically obliterated, the fall of rain being distributed throughout the year. On Sitka island it becomes excessive, the mean annual deposit being 89.90 inches. ar ar This feature of the Pacific climate finds its explanation partly in the peculiar chorography of the country. The Sierra Nevada, exceeding in altitude the Rocky mountains, stands like a wall from 6,000 to 8,000 feet high, practically bisecting the lower and rain-bearing strata of the atmosphere. This renders the climate of the western slope essentially an insular one, or, at least, modified to a very limited extent by continental influences. The periodic ocean winds practically control precipitation. During the winter or rainy seasons these are from the southwest, south, or southeast, blowing from the saturated atmosphere of the intertropical ocean; they not only assist in raising the winter temperature, but also supply the copious moisture precipitated during the rainy season. During the dry season the prevailing ocean winds are from the northwest. Even if these should become saturated in blowing over the colder waters of the north Pacific, they could not condense into rain-clouds in passing over the land, the excessive radiation of the summer parched surface elevating their temperature above the point not only of precipitation, but also of condensation. But this absorption of surplus surface heat also lowers the summer temperature and combines with other influences in limiting the thermometric range before alluded to. These general controlling elements combining with the unique chorographic features of the country, give rise to a matchless versatility of local climates. These acting upon a soil of exquisite fertility, yield, in answer to intelligent agriculture, a variety, luxuriance, and delicacy of production, esculent, cereal, fibrous, and fruital, unparalleled on the face of the earth. The salubrity of these climates, with a few local exceptions, is unsurpassed. Their freedom from injurious variation was a matter of common report long before it was verified by scientific observation. The climate of California has been described by the most trustworthy observers as genial and invigorating. The most active outdoor labors may be performed at all seasons of the year, and at all hours of the day, even in the most sultry valleys. This results from the dryness of the atmosphere, which prevents the few hot days from being at all enervating. Such a thing as a hard winter, as understood east of the Mississippi, is unknown even as far north as Washington Territory. All reports, both common and scientific, seem to coincide in the statement that the Pacific coast presents the most desirable conditions of climatic influences upon earth. MODEL FARM BUILDINGS. We of the latter half of the 19th century live in better houses than our fathers had; we surround ourselves with more luxuries; we work harder, those of us who do work, and we probably take more real comfort. We were bred to think that a farmer's barn should be bigger and better than his house, and when we Saw fine large barns and out-buildings, well kept and neat in their surroundings, we were quite of a mind to excuse a lack of taste and order about the dwelling. For many years there have been those who mourned over the evidence of effeminate ease and luxury which has evinced itself in more commodious and con venient farm-houses, especially noticeable in the older and more thriving States. This only shows that farmers with tolerable out-buildings provide the comforts of modern civilization for their families before they rebuild their barns. Never theless, we attribute many of the new barns to the old feeling that the house of a good farmer must not eclipse his barn. However this may be, large and excellent barns have greatly multiplied of late, and many of them are planned and built upon principles of sound science and the most rigid business economy. Such an one is here presented and explained by prospective elevations and dia grams. David Lyman, of Middlefield, Connecticut, is a man of enlarged views. Bon and bred a farmer, he lives upon the same farm his ancestors have occupied for the last four generations. He has given employment to the water-power of an adjacent stream, and, as farmer, manufacturer and merchant, applies the principles of thrift most rigidly to every branch of his business. The result is, if he invests money in any business venture, it is with the expectation of its returning good interest, simply in a pecuniary point of view. The barn of which we write is an investment of this character, and, however much convenience has been consulted. simple and rigid economy has never been sacrificed. One is struck at first sight with the substantial character of the structure, and the more thorough the scrutiny the more will this be seen. From pinnacle to foundation, nothing has been slighted; all the work has been well done; the timber is sound, the framing correct, braced, bolted, and counter-braced; and the same thoroughness is exhibited in every part. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. A modern American barn upon a farm where a general mixed husbandry is practiced ought to include under one roof, or at least in one building, including wings, all the accommodations furnished by the collection of buildings which usually form so nondescript a group around any old farm homestead. Associa tions may cluster around the old hearthstone which has warmed half a dozen successive generations, which might lead to the maintenance in good repair the old house, but no such claims to consideration can save the inconvenient barns and sheds. One good building takes the place of a score of others of ages and as diverse in character as ingeniously inconvenient. This building į the common shelter for the garnered crops, for stock, tools, and manure. must be arranged to save labor to the last extent; that is, to make little labor a time on the part of farm hands go as far as possible. To this end both the conse fodder and the grain should be stored above and pass naturally and easily dow ward to the stock, the former, if desirable, being chopped, and the latter grou before reaching the feeding floor. The law of gravitation should again le employed to save labor in cleaning stables and collecting the manure in the cellars. It matters little how careful and excellent the hired men may be; daily inspe tion by the proprietor or some responsible person is imperative. This must thorough, and in a well-planned barn it should be very easily and quickly The construction and arrangement of all the interior should be so simple as adapted to its ends that it will be easier for the hands to keep everything than otherwise, and such also that every tool out of place, every uncleanly s or slighted piece of work, will show itself to the inspector and enter a against the negligent servant. complai Light is exceedingly important to the health of animals and to the convenience of laborers, as well as to the accuracy of the inspection. Besides, plenty o windows will obviate the necessity of lanterns in winter fully an hour a day. morning and evening, thus avoiding no little danger from fire. In barn-building we soon reach the limit of large, square, or nearly square, structures, and in I |