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 300cm. 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 
