The Climate, proceeding northwards as far as Manchester, becomes gradually colder; but from Manchester to Liverpool the temperature is somewhat increased, owing to the vicinity of the sea. In proportion as we approach the sea, the quantity of rain which falls increases; and hence the production of bogs in Lancashire, Cumberland, and Dumfriesshire, in situations where the natural drainage was defective. At the same time, the soil along the sea coast, from Chester to Dumfries, and as far in the interior as the land continues flat, being generally sandy, is well adapted for a wet climate; and those parts of it which are now covered with peat bog, when drained, will be as well fitted for agriculture as the rest. The climate in the lake district is cold and moist, and the soil retentive; that country is therefore better adapted for pasture and woodlands than for aration. The weather during July has been remarkably warm, with frequent showers; and on the whole the agricultural crops and woods never looked better. The crops of fruit, however, are generally defective, though we believe they are better in the neighbourhood of Manchester and Chester than they are either farther north or farther south. On the 15th of July a dreadful hailstorm happened at Penruddock, about six miles from Penrith, on the road between that town and Keswick. It extended over a tract of country nearly two miles in diameter, totally destroying the field crops, and killing many of the birds, hares, rabbits, and poultry. The hares took shelter in the same shed with men and cattle. The leaves of the large Tussilago, by the roadside, and those of all the crops in the cottage gardens were cut into shreds; the potato leaves and stems were lacerated, and every stalk of corn was broken. Two extensive farmers lost every thing but their cattle. The storm began in darkness, about four o'clock in the afternoon, and continued nearly two hours; the hailstones which fell were from 4 to 6 in. round; they formed a body in many places from 15 to 18 in. deep; and lay on the ground three days before they were all melted.
