LOCAL CLIMATE OF SOUTHPORT. 27 



in the channel remains of an average temperature, that of 

 the flood tidal water, coming over the banks, is higher than 

 either the sea or the air. It gives out its surplus tempera- 

 ture, and is probably one cause of the mildness and salubrity 

 of Southport in the winter. 



At the end of this book will be found a series of meteoro- 

 logical tables, compiled by Mr. Joseph Baxendell, from 

 observations made at the Southport Meteorological Observa- 

 tory, Hesketh-park, during the eleven years 1872-1882. 

 They form a complete and valuable record of the rainfall, 

 temperature, and humidity of the district. 



Careful examination of these tables will show that South- 

 port enjoys a remarkably equable climate, and that the 

 climatic advantages formerly claimed inferentially, are ac- 

 tually found to exist, when subjected to the test of rigorous 

 daily observation, made with duly verified instruments. 



The sandy nature of the soil enables the moderate rainfall 

 to be easily disposed of, and, as there is reason to believe 

 that the evaporation in this district is much in excess of the 

 rainfall, it is apparent how dry the average surface must be, 

 and how much the mean humidity of the atmosphere is 

 modified. 



The nature of the soil tends to equalize the temperature as 

 well as to elevate it ; the first of these effects being of chief 

 importance, as it is not always a high temperature which is 

 most desirable in the climate of a sanatorium, but an even 

 temperature, which is neither too hot in summer nor too 

 severe in winter. This is precisely the character of the mean 

 temperature as observed here, and gives Southport an 

 immense advantage over places much further south, which 



