occurring once throughout the thirty days during which observations were 
taken. The only signs of moisture were hoar-frosts which occurred every few 
days. Frequently the temperature was below the freezing point, and the 
humidity was not always recorded, but strange to say when it was, the difference 
between the bulbs was never very great. 
From this, one would gather that there was a certain amount of moisture 
in the atmosphere, but that other conditions prevented the formation of 
rain clouds. In fact, clouds of any kind were extremely uncommon. 
The observations were taken in a temple, situated outside the city, not more 
than three-hundred yards from the Yii-lin Ho, a fair-sized river. The writer 
can state from previous experience in this district, and along the Ordos border 
generally, that dew is not infrequent, though rain and snow are very rare, and 
clouds uncommon. On the other hand scarcely a day passes without steady 
wind from some direction or other. 
From November 5th to December 5th, wind was recorded every day. 
The prevailing direction was from the north, the wind being in this quarter 
fifteen days, in the north-west four and in the north-east three. On only five 
occasions did it blow from the south, and twice from the west. Once it was 
recorded as variable. 
On November roth and atst, strong wind from the north was recorded, and 
again from the north-west on the 25th. These brought down quantities of 
sand, which, being thus driven against the surfaces of buildings and monu- 
ments in exposed positions, would in time wear away the softer materials used 
in their construction. On examination, several dagobas, pagodas and monu- 
ments situated on some high ground to the east of the city, showed much 
wear on their northern sides, whilst their southern sides—as well as 
the eastern and western to a less degree—were in good condition, even the 
pointing of the brick-work remaining intact. From this it is reasonable to 
assume that the strongest winds which prevail in this district are northerly. 
The barometer, in spite of the lack of rain and clouds, varied considerably 
from day to day, and even between the two daily readings. ‘The highest reading 
was 26°88 inches on November 27th, and the lowest was 26°28 inches on Decem- 
ber 4th. The readings of the last three days at Yii-lin Fu were all very low, but 
no change in atmospheric conditions resulted. It will be noticed that the 
difference between the extreme readings during the time spent at Yii-lin Fu 
was greater than that of any of the preceding months. The average of all 
barometrical readings for the thirty days was 26°61 inches. 
The temperature during this time steadily decreased, and hygrometer 
143 
