Chap. VIT.] 



NEUERA-ELLIA. 



261 



11°), but tliu latter is higlier than is sliown by recent 

 experiment, tlie average at noon being now ascertained 

 to be about 62°, and the highest observation of the 

 unexposed tliermometer 70°. 



At this elevation there is a perpetual breeze, but of 

 the two winds, the residents, in spite of the greater 

 moisture and more frequent showers, prefer the south- 

 west, to the dry and parching breeze from the north and 

 east. The quantity of rain, of course, varies in a series 

 of years ; but it is by no means so great as in the lower 

 range of the hills, and does not much exceed the ordinary 

 average on the western coast. ^ During the transitional 

 periods of the monsoons the fall is less equable, and the 

 intervals of suspension longer ; on the other hand, rain 

 has been known about this period to descend ^vithout 

 intermission for fourteen days. Except dming these 

 violent outbursts there is scarcely a day wlien outdoor 

 exercise is not practicable. Even at noon the clouds 

 which collect I'ound the summit of these lofty hills serve 

 to ward off the sun, and outdoor hfe is as enjoyable 

 as summer at home. Here the troops never change 

 woollen for other clothing^, and Em-opean visitors are 

 glad to recall associations of England by producing 

 their winter muffling and surtouts. 



In the early part of the year, from Decembcj- to 

 March, the mornings are bracing and frosty, and one is 

 tempted to take the chill off the water on stepping into 

 the accustomed bath before breakfast. The noon-day 

 warmth adds a zest to the evening hre, and the nights 

 are so biilliant that a book may be read by moonlight. 



' Tlie quantity of rain falling: at 

 Neuera-ellia has perceptibly decreased 

 of late years, probably owin<r to the 

 extensive clearing of the surrounding 

 forests, to prepare them for coifee 

 planting. 



'^ It may seem to modify tlie popu- 

 lar opinion as to great changes of 

 temperature being in themselves 

 prejudicial to healthy that the medical 



oflicers in charge of troops atNeuera- 

 ellia have remarked tliat, notwitli- 

 standing the sudden variation, from 

 the heat of the sun which is some- 

 times oppressive in the aftenioou, to 

 chill br(>e/.es and hoar frost at niglit, 

 the men never siifler from this cause 

 alone ; without some incautious act 

 on the part of those exposed. 



3 



