XX INTRODUCTION. 



many instances of tne temperature reaching from 85° to 90° Fahrenheit. 

 I find the maximiun for the clay is generally from 2 30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. 

 Onr mean maximum is 58'22° ; our mean minimum is 44'99. The average 

 difference between our wet and dry bulb thermometers is 1*90° Fahren- 

 heit. Very frequently at 8 a.m., and even throughout the day, we find 

 our wet and dry bulbs indicating the same temperature, thus showing the 

 atmosphere to be completely saturated. I take this to be a phenomenon," 

 continues Dr. Merrifield, "common to the whole south-west district, 

 because with a south-west wind, coming from a warm ocean, the air 

 must be highly charged with moisture, and when it is cooled by contact 

 with the land complete saturation takes place, and we get drizzling rain, 

 lasting hours, perhaps days ; and yet the rainfall for that time is com- 

 paratively small." (pp. 4, 5.) 



1870, days on which rain fell, 118 ; amount 24*4 inches. 



