SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS 7
group. While there is a close similarity in the direction of changes
from month to month, with the exception that the spring peak of
the “no occupation” curve is two months later than the peak for
unskilled workers, the spring rush is distinctly more pronounced
among the latter group. This suggests that employment considera-
tions are among the factors explaining the relatively large immigra-
tion of the working classes in March, April, and May.
It will be observed from Fig. C that the seasonal curve for male
immigrants is, in general, similar in shape to that for unskilled
workers but exhibits a somewhat less pronounced variation.
Selected Races.
That immigrants of different races vary materially in their choice
of months in which to immigrate is indicated in Fig. D of Chart 49.
The South Italians, who participate in large numbers in summer
construction activities, arrive chiefly in March, April, and May;
whereas the incoming movement of Hebrews peaks in June to
September.
PRE-WAR SEASONAL TENDENCIES IN DEPARTURES
(See Chart 50)
When we turn to the pre-war seasonal variations in departures,
we find differences akin to those discovered in arrivals. The citizen
element peaks in July; while the alien departures, notably of emi-
grants, are numerous at the close of the year. (Fig. A of Chart 50).
As between male emigrants and male nonemigrants, the early winter
boom is more pronounced in the emigrant group. That this outward
rush at the close of the year is associated with employment con-
ditions is suggested by the comparisons in Fig. C, Chart 50. The
departures of those emigrants who indicate that they have no oc-
cupation reach a peak in June, July, and August; but the unskilled
workers emigrate in largest numbers during the months of November
and December. In Fig. D, we have the seasonal movements of male
emigrants and of South Italians. The South Italians, both of the
emigrant and of the nonemigrant groups, show a November and
December movement which is more pronounced than that for male
emigrants of all races combined. This outward rush of the South
Italians in the early winter is probably due in part to their aversion
to the relatively rigorous winter in the United'States.
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