noM ha\ (,akj)J:xs. 401 



jj though they must be familiar to most of those present. 

 It will then Srs/t be observed that the actual temperature is not so 

 high as ' ; graphical tion of Bombay might, lead us to 



expect, the thermometer allowing- a range betv r < ■ n a maximum of 

 93 degrees and a minimum odE 63 degrees, while the. average jtem;- 

 perature of the year is 707 degrees, figures that as nearly as possible 

 coincide with the temperature generally maintained in our stoves 

 or hothouses at home. The humidity of the atmosphere is at all 

 limes of the year very great, owing to the immediate neighbourhood 

 of the sea, which, on the other hand, causes the air, to contain a 

 certain amount of salt or sodium chlorine, which for certain plants 

 is undoubtedly beneficial, but not improbably may be a disadvantage 

 for other plants. Though the Bombay climate does not present 

 such distinct variety throughout the year, as that of our northern 

 homes, which can easily be distinguished into four seasons, it is. how- 

 ever, usual to divide it into three seasons — the cold, the hot, and the 

 wet season. The cold season generally lasts from November to March* 

 and is characterized by fine bright weather with gentle X., X.In. \V... 

 X.W., TV'., or K\~X\E.. but in Bombay rarely, E. breezes, a com- 

 paratively low night temperature (the difference between night and 

 .aperature often exceeding 20 degrees), which, as a contrast to 

 the heat in the sun, which is often as much as 50 degrees higher than 

 the temperature in the shade, will often prove very trying for plants 

 The heavy dew, which is caused by this great difference in night and 

 day-temperature, on the other hand, acts as a natural protection 

 against the sadden changes of temperature, by checking evaporation 

 and at the same time supplying a certain amount of moisture to the 

 soil. This season is generally considered the most satisfactory for 

 our gardens. The lower temperature makes it possible to raise 

 of annuals from colder climates, and to prod ace a tolerably 

 good .-.how of flowering plants. A great many tropica] plants, trees, 

 and shrubs produce their flowers during this season, while roses, 

 geraniums, and other extra-tropical plants produce better flowers 

 at this season than at any other time of the year. Many plant- will 

 grow very rapidly, while others, will be resting during this period. 

 In March the weather commences to get hotter, the difference between 

 night and day-temperature decreases, the dew diminishes, the wind 



