of the Mediterranean. 245 



have been reduced to an enfeebled and very relaxed state of bo- 

 dy, sent from the Mediterranean to England with the happiest 

 effect ; while it is an established rule in the fleet, to remove every 

 one immediately from the climate who betrays any incipient 

 symptoms of phthisis. I have also seen cases of chronic and sy- 

 philitic rheumatism deriving, particularly, the greatest benefit 

 from a return to England. But, to resume the natural history 

 of the subject, — Though the extensive surface of this mid- 

 land sea, lying between the 31st and 45th degrees of north lati- 

 tude, and embracing about 40° of longitude, has a general cli- 

 mate, constituted by the regular succession of seasons, like all 

 other geographical surfaces which have a marked summer and 

 winter ; yet the several places bordering on and within its ample 

 circuit, have climates peculiar to themselves. These peculiari- 

 ties are compounded of the general Mediterranean climate at any 

 given season of the year, and of the collateral influence of the 

 winds prevailing at the time, conjoined with the nature of the 

 land which surrounds the place, and over which these winds 

 previously blow ; whether the sea, and what extent of it, lies in 

 the course of the winds ; and whether it is situated on the north 

 or south shore of the mainland or island. Before, however, no- 

 ticing the few remarks which I have personally made on the 

 particular topography of the climate, I shall first give a sum- 

 mary view of the great modifying, if not elementary, principles 

 of Heat or Temperature^ Humidity^ the Winds, and Electri- 

 city, as observed in the Mediterranean, for the space of more 

 than five years. 



Temperature. — It will be seen, from the table annexed, that 

 the average temperature of the year at noon is considerably 

 above what is called temperate in England, being for three years 

 very near 67° ; and from the thermometer being registered al- 

 ways on board in an airy and shaded situation, it may correctly 

 be inferred that the temperature on land is a few degrees high- 

 er. Equable and mild as this annual heat is, yet the changes 

 from day to day, or from morning to night, are sometimes as 

 great as they occur in England, during the same space of time. 

 The average heat for the summer of three years never exceeded 

 81°, nor was it below 74° ; and, in the winter months, it never 



