.396 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



remarkable drying power in the atmosphere of California, as shown by the 

 frequent absorption of clouds. I have observed time and time again, even 

 during the dry season, an ample supply of clouds and a good prospect for 

 rain, only to be disappointed by the thirsty air. 



Table No. 3 shows the relative humidity from July 1, 1885, to June 30. 

 1886, saturation being one hundred. The months of June, July, August. 

 September, and even October, show the lowest relative humidity, and these 

 are also the warmest months, and characterized by extreme daily ranges of 

 temperature. The rainy season begins in the second half of October, and 

 the relative humidity continues to rise until January, and then gradually 

 decreases; exceptions are, however, frequently noted. It will be observed 

 that the mean humidity for the year is only 57.7 per cent. Professor 

 Parkes observes, p. 88, Vol. II: "The most agreeable amount of humidity 

 to most healthy people is when the relative humidity is between seventy 

 and eighty per cent. In chronic lung diseases, however, a very moist air 

 is generally most agreeable and allays cough." 



3. Wind. 



The prevailing direction of the wind is south and west, and is seldom 

 observed to blow from other points, although during the severe cold weather 

 the wind usually comes from the north and northwest. As will be seen 

 from Table No. 4, it is rarely violent in force, yet a gentle breeze can be 

 nearly always observed. The maximum velocity for twenty-four hours 

 generally occurs shortly after midnight and noon. It comes from the 

 south during the day and from the west during the night. 



4. Electricity. 



Observers of this phenomena must have noticed a sensible increase in 

 the number and violence of thunder storms on this coast within the past 

 few years; this is especially noticeable during the present year, many of 

 them nearly equaling an eastern thunder storm in the display of atmos- 

 pheric electricity. 



Two cloudbursts occurred in the Warner Range of mountains near Lake 

 City and Eagleville, during the month of July, 1886, the water rushing 

 down, carrying with it a large amount of debris, rocks, trees, etc. 



