the cold of winter is more trying to all classes at Utica than it is at St. Paul; and, that a greater amount of warm clothing is necessary to maintain an equal feeling of comfort, at the former, than is required at the latter place, notwithstanding the mercury ranges through the three months of winter at an average of eight degrees less at St. Paul.  The reason is found in the fact of a more humid atmosphere existing at Utica, and, indeed, at all points in the variable-climatic district, whether north or south of either the thermal lines or latitudes in which Minnesota rests.

“There is no rain falling during the winter months in the State as a rule, the temperature being too cold, while the snow accumulates gradually, falling in the finest of flakes, and light as down itself.  The average monthly snow-fall of the three winter months reduced to water, is but a little over half an inch, or about six inches of snow per month.  A uniform line of low temperature—­averaging near sixteen degrees, unbroken by thaws except under the occasional warm glare of a noonday sun—­usually keeps this thin covering on the ground all winter so dry, that the deerskin moccasins, which many persons habitually wear, are scarcely moistened the season through.  There are occasional upward oscillations of temperature; and, once in a series of years, a thaw in January or February; but these are rare occurrences.  Rain has not fallen in winter but once in many years.  The whole winter is a radiant and joyous band of sunny days and starlight nights.  This inaugurates the carnival season when sleighing and merrymaking parties in both town and country form one unbroken round of pleasure.”

The advantages of this winter season is that, while a cold climate, it still admits of the invalid taking constant daily exercise with an entire freedom from liability to “catch cold,” the system freed from sudden shocks incident to the coquetting climate of the East; the lungs and whole body strengthened and braced by the tonic effect of this continental climate.

“It is the most normal climate on the continent.  No other is so exquisitely symmetrical in its entire annual development.  In no other are the transitions of temperature and moisture so completely in harmony with nature, so accommodated to the laws of organic life and growth.  Thus the entire physical organism of Minnesota is, so to speak, emblematical of the * * * relations which attach to its geographical position.”

The advance of spring does not, here, bring those unending floods and winds which drown men out and blow the universe to tatters, as is the case in New England and other areas lying eastward.

The months of March and April rack very low in their rain-fall in comparison with any point situated along the same thermal lines; while May is scarce up to the average, but yet sufficient to supply the seeds and grasses with all the moisture required.

For the purpose of exactness the following table is annexed, giving a view of the question and illustrating it far better than any discussion can hope to do.