the Antnrtic regions with the prevailing breezes that pass over them, 

 and the high Andes. 



The coast >trip of Peru is notable for its small allowance of rain- 

 fall. Although in a few sections there may be copious periodic rains, 

 the principal cane producing valleys depend on irrigation for their 

 water supply. Considering the little amount of rainfall, a low relative 

 humidity would be expected; but in fact, along the immediate coast it 

 registers moderately high 72 to 84. Notwithstanding this, from an 

 agricultural point of view it must be considered a dry climate. The 

 effect is not that of a humid atmosphere; it is not steamy or enerva- 

 ting. It is interesting to note that remains of the ancient inhabitants 

 are found naturally mummified, and cloth in which the bodies were 

 buried is often found in a good state of preservation. 



While the difference between the warm and cool season is keenly 

 felt by the inhabitants, it is due rather to the winds from the cold 

 current than to the actual difference in temperature. 



The temperature of the upper sections of the valleys better shelter- 

 ed from the sea, is a little higher than the lower sections. 



The temperature of the Northern valleys is some higher than the 

 Southern but not in proportion to the difference in degrees of latitude. 



SOILS. 



While there are many local variations in soils, every district or 

 country has soils of particular characteristics which distinguish them 

 as a whole. The similarity in the mode of formation of these valleys 

 of Peru under cultivation would indicate the general similarity in the 

 composition of the soils. 



Physically, the soils vary from very fine sandy loam to silty. So 

 finely divided is some of it that the entire sample will pass through 

 the regulation sieve. The soils also vary in depth. Shingle can be 

 found in some places two feet below the surface, while in others, the 

 same characteristic surface soil (save for Nitrogen and organic matter) 

 can be found at a depth of 15 to 20 feet or more. As a whole, they 

 are deep soils and their physioal composition (especially after much 

 cultivation) renders them very retentive of moisture. 



The underground drainage of most of the valleys is excellent. It is 

 so complete in some places that from the cliffs bordering the sea, little 

 rivulets may be seen emptying their waters into the ocean, seepage 

 waters of the valley above. (This is to be seen at Barranco). The 

 valleys slope so gently to the sea that they appear a level plain; they 



