Although now in the second week of summer, we can hardly realise the fact when we look out and see Cairnsmore and surrounding hills coated with snow, and cold easterly winds blowing. It has been a backward season, and 'vegetation generally looks a month behind.' We had very little rain during April. On Tuesday it rained most of the day, which laid the dust that was blowing in clouds the previous night, but it hardly penetratated the ground, and the streams were not the slightest quickened by it. The ground was in good order for getting in the seeds, but, pasture has been very much in want of rain. March was a trying month for ewes. They fell considerably back in condition, and now that the lambing season is nearly over, much anxiety is felt in the rearing of them. Many deaths are reported among lambs, otherwise there is is fair average crop. Pasture is looking better. In the meantime it is all needed. Oats are showing above ground. Rain and heat is what is wanted now to increase growth.