Till. RAINFALL OF JAMAICA. 



THE ISLAND MONTHLY RAINFALL FROM 1870 TO 1889. 



December, 1885, in June, 1886, and in May, 1888, are so far above the average 

 that the results are influenced by these " flood-rains " ; and it therefore follows 

 that the average rainfall for any decennial period will depend on the flood-rains 

 experienced in that period. Also that the constancy or variation of the Island 

 rainfall cannot be gathered from two or three decennial periods ; a century is 

 required for this purpose. 



It also follows that the amount of rain in any year does not afford a true 

 indication of the general prosperity in that or the next year ; flood-rains do 

 more harm than good to the general community ; and agricultural prosperity 

 depends more upon the way in which the rains fall during the year than upon 

 their amount at any time of the year. 



The variation of the rainfall from month to month is very apparent in both 

 periods ; the May and October " seasons " are well marked, but subject to great 

 irregularities. 



We have now to consider the rainfalls in the four divisions. 



THE ANNUAL RAINFALL FOR EACH DIVISION FROM 1870 TO 18 



