CLIMATE OF SOUTHERN PATAGONIA. 25I 



of these plains, as a whole, may be best described as semi-arid, there 

 is a narrow belt along the coast where the precipitation, though not 

 abundant, is sufficient to support a fair amount of vegetation. On the 

 whole, the climate of the plains of southern Patagonia may best be des- 

 cribed as rather disagreeable. The temperature is usually uncomfortably 

 cool ; even in summer there are but few days when heavy woollen cloth- 

 ing would not be deemed a necessity to one's comfort. Although the 

 total annual rainfall is small, yet the almost constant sensation produced 

 upon one by the atmosphere is that it is both cold and damp. The most 

 disagreeable feature in the climate of these plains, however, is the winds. 

 These blow almost constantly, and often they are exceptionally strong 

 and uncomfortable. Although the precipitation is limited, it is fairly well 

 distributed throughout the year, and is seldom spasmodic. Owing to the 

 generally flat surface of the plains, and the moderate nature of the rains, 

 there is little, almost no run-off, save in the spring, at the time of the 

 melting of the winter's accumulation of snow. Were it not for the great 

 bed of shingle that covers these plains, and permits the almost immedi- 

 ate disappearance of such waters as do fall upon them, while at the same 

 time preventing the accumulation of any considerable layer of surface 

 soil, the plains of Patagonia, even under existing climatic conditions, 

 would be capable of supporting a much more considerable growth of veg- 

 etation. For, while the rainfall is not great, the humidity is considerable, 

 and, since there is little sunshine and a low temperature, the evaporation 

 would be slight, were it not for the constant westerly winds. 



A series of observations kept for a period of nearly four months, from 

 January, 8, 1899, to April 27, 1899, and made three times daily, show- 

 ing the temperature (Fahrenheit) ; state of barometer ; altitude, as shown 

 by aneroid, at time of observation when not at the sea coast ; direction 

 and force of wind ; and whether clear, cloudy or rain, is here given for the 

 benefit of those interested in such matters. It covers only that period of 

 the year when the climate of southern Patagonia is at its best ; and this par- 

 ticular summer and fall were the warmest that I experienced in that country. 



Jan. 8, 8:30 a. m. Sandy Point, 1:30 p. m. Sandy Point, 5:20 p. m. Sandy Point, 



1899. Chili; B. 29.55 ; F- 53 I Chili; B. 29.60; F. 55 ; Chili; B. 29.60; F. 57; 



light S.W. wind ; weath- strong S. W. wind ; strong S. W. wind ; 



er fair. weather fair. weather fair. 



