202 DIFFERENCE OF TEMPERATURE. 



ent forms and instincts, range far up its stupendous 

 sides. Various also are the degrees of temperature 

 in different localities, as they are either screened 

 from the wind, or exposed to its power, or according 

 to the aspect and nature of the soil. We may 

 briefly notice Quixos and Macas as affording in- 

 teresting proofs of this peculiarity. Though both 

 lying on the eastern side of the Cordilleras, they are 

 widely different with regard to climate. The first 

 is hot and moist, subject to almost continual rains, 

 and covered in many parts with noble forests, while 

 beautiful groups of cinnamon trees are seen in 

 sheltered and sunny places, the flowers of which 

 surpass even those of Ceylon, and fill the air with 

 fragrance. Macas is dissimilar both in its tem- 

 perature and seasons; for though it is also finely 

 wooded, and covered with luxuriant vegetation, the 

 air is clear and dry. Those who delight in flowers, 

 and fine weather, and desire to avoid even the 

 semblance of cold weather, might obtain their wish 

 by changing from Quixos to Macas. In the former, 

 winter commences in April, and lasts till September; 

 while in the latter, September is the most delightful 

 month in the whole year, and cool and refreshing 

 breezes descending from the snowy mountains over 

 which they have passed, temper the heat of the sun- 

 beam. The air is then clear, and the sky serene, 

 and the earth is clothed with grass and flowers, 

 while the inhabitants, gladdened with such pleasing 

 objects, rejoice that the storms of winter have passed 

 by. Botanists report that few countries are more 

 rich in vegetable productions. Tobacco grows plen- 

 tifully in sheltered places; that unfragrant herb 



