FLORA OF NORTH COIMBATORE. 



395 



Coimbatore is remarkable for the comparatively cool winds which 

 blow across it from the west between May and October. The 

 summer monsoon brings its rain to Malabar, and up to the range 

 of hills separating that District from Coimbatore ; but there it stops, 

 a cold damp wind with very little rain blowing during the monsoon 

 months over the plains of Coimbatore. Thus after the hot months of 

 March and April, the temperature suddenly falls, and remains low till 

 October. 1 The winter monsoon commonly commences about the 

 middle of October. The rains then swell the rivers, and the tanks 

 and low grounds of the District receive their great annual supply of 

 water. The end of December, when the winter monsoon rains are 

 over, is the coldest season in the year, the range of the thermometer 

 being from 62° to 80°, sometimes as low as 55°. 



As there are no meteorological data on temperature, humidity, and 

 clouds of North Coimbatore at my disposal, I shall give a climatic 

 table of the town of Coimbatore (1,348 feet above sea level). I have 

 been told by Mr. Fischer that the meteorological conditions of that 

 place prevail practically throughout the area east and south of the 

 Bhavani river. 



* Imperial Gazetteer, Coimbatore,!. ed. 



22 



