8 postelsia 



at hand concerning the rainfall, hence it can be 

 referred to only in general terms. This however 

 can be said, that the precipitation on the west 

 coast, from the northern extremity of the island 

 to within 40-50 kilometers of the southern end, 

 is unusually heavy. The region around Victoria 

 and the extent of the coast referred to above, lie 

 behind the Olympic Mountains of Washington 

 and the moisture of the southwest winds has 

 been largly condensed before these reach the 

 island. According to observations made by Mr. 

 Newton at Port Renfrew in San Juan Harbor, 

 the rainfall for the year 1902 was 300 cm. This 

 can hardly be considered as the average annual 

 precipitation since the year, according to state- 

 ments made by the natives, was more than 

 ordinarily wet. Yet an average of 275 cm. may 

 not be far from correct. This indicates that 

 the place is one of the rainiest in temperate 

 North America, being approached at Neah Bay 

 across the straits in Washington, and perhaps 

 equalled only at certain places in Alaska. 

 By far the greatest amount of rain falls during 

 the winter months, during which time there are 



