322 THE CLIMATE OF LOURENgO MARQUES. 



Taking hnmidity into consideration, we have already seen 

 that it is entitled to the designation of moderately damp, as its 

 relative annual and monthly humidity falls within the limits 68 

 and 80 per cent. 



As mentioned, other more distinct classifications have been 

 introduced by the combination of two or more meteorological 

 elements. I shall just mention that, taking the classification of 

 Supan (35 climatic ])rovinces), this region belongs to the 

 Tropical African Province, and in Koppen's classification, under 

 the botanical standpoint, to the Mesothcrms group. 



I will also mention another l)asis of classification. Physio- 

 logical, which comprises two groups: — (a) according to the 

 general sensation produced, mild, pleasant, humid, disagreeable, 

 etc. ; (b) according to the general effects of the i)articular climate, 

 invigorating, relaxing, rigorous, etc. 



It is difficult for me to deal with this sul)ject, and I shall 

 therefore merely make a few remarks. 



In my opinion Lourenco Marques cannot be included in any 

 one of these divisions owing to the variety of conditions referred 

 to, whether in both seasons, or whether from month to mouth. 

 It is not out of place to repeat here the assertion already made 

 with regard to the variation of sensations produced by small 

 alterations of temperature on those Europeans who inhabit 

 trojiical areas, and that this fact is principally due to their phy- 

 sical exhaustion and the hyerometric state of the atmosphere. 

 I may furthermore mention, for instance, the influence on indi- 

 viduals of a hot day being followed l)y one of lower temperature, 

 damper and less windy, thus causing an apparent exaggeration 

 on the personal sensation of heat. 



Let us now consider, very superficially, the eft"ects of the 

 climate. 



As stated, the year mav be divided into two seasons, namely. 

 hot and rainy from October to March, cool and almost dry from 

 A])ril to September, the four seasons not being well characterised 

 here. 



During the hottest and dampest months the climate has 

 characteristics approaching to tropical, but the prevailing sea 

 winds blowing harder during the hours of greater heat contribute 

 to make it more pleasant. 



The sky sometimes takes an aspect akin to tropical climates, 

 and the occurrence of atmospheric disturbances, together with 

 hot winds from the north followed by cold winds from the south 

 makes these months unpleasant and relaxing. 



These depressions are also felt during the cool season— not 

 so frequently, but they nevertheless occur during the most 

 pleasant months. 



February and March are perhaps the most pronounced 

 tropical months, on account of the greater frequency of damp 

 heat, which is sometimes still felt in April and May. 



