THE ISLAND OF PORTO RI( < I 153 



months. This precipitation comes in heavy gusts with 

 strong winds, as a rule between noon and 4 p. m. An 

 hour later the skies appear in beautiful colors of gold, 

 violet, purple, and blue. A bright, cool starlight night 

 usually follows. It seldom rains or thunders at night. 



Toward the end of October, east and north winds set in. 

 The first brings heavy downpours, and the latter gentle 

 showers, though the south side of the island is subject to 

 great droughts, to the detriment of agriculture. The great 

 quantity of rainfall is very favorable to vegetation, and 

 creates an infinite number of springs, brooks, and rivers. 



Although the climate of Porto Rico does not appear to 

 differ materially, as far as its effects can be measured by 

 instruments, from that of the other Antillean Islands, yet 

 its inhabitants certainly seem to enjoy a more than 

 ordinary exemption from the evils which afflict humanity 

 in these sickly regions. The mortality, according to the 

 published tables, does not exceed that which prevails in 

 some of the more healthful countries of Europe. 



The hot and moist climate induces dysenteries and fevers 

 of all kinds, especially intermittent and lingering forms 

 which are very stubborn and sometimes lead to liver com- 

 plications. Yellow fever occasionally visits the cities of 

 the coast, but mostly in individual cases, and is not always 

 epidemic. Only in certain years, at times of great heat, 

 does it flourish, and even then it principally affects Euro- 

 peans and newcomers. Its occurrence is probably encour- 

 aged by the stagnant sewage of the cities. The natives are 

 subject to colds, catarrhs, consumption, and bronchitis. 



The best season to visit Porto Rico and make the 

 acquaintance of the people and country is in the months 

 of January, February, March, and April. 



