CHAP, i.] WEST INDIES. 7 



A tropical year seems properly to comprehend but 

 two distinct seasons ; the wet and the dry ; but as the 

 rains in these climates constitute two great periods, I 

 shall describe it, like the European year, under four 

 divisions. 



vernal season, or spring, may be said to com- 

 mence with the month of May, when the foliage of 

 the trees evidently becomes more vivid, and the parch- 

 ed savannas begin to change their russet hue, even 

 previous to the first periodical rains, which are now 

 daily expected, and generally set in about the mid- 

 dle of the month. These, compared with the au- 

 tumnal rains, may be said to be gentle showers. 

 They come from the south, and commonly fall every 

 day about noon, and break up with thunder-storms; 

 creating a bright and beautiful verdure, and a rapid 

 and luxuriant vegetation. The thermometer at this 

 season varies considerably; commonly falling six or 

 eight degrees immediately after the diurnal rains : its 

 medium height may be stated at seventy-five degrees. 







After these rains have continued about a fortnight, 

 the weather becomes dry, settled, and salutary; and 

 the tropical summer reigns in full glory. Not a cloud 

 is to be perceived; and the'sky blazes with irresistible 

 fierceness. For some hours, commonly between se- 

 ven and ten in the morning, before the setting in of 

 the sea-breeze or trade-wind, which at this season 

 blows from the south-east with great force and regu- 

 larity until late in the evening, the heat is scarcely 

 supportable; but, no sooner is the influence felt ot 



