82 HOME LIFE IN FLORIDA. 



From observations taken during 124 days, from No- 

 vember to March, we find that the highest point reached 

 by the thermometer was 87° and the lowest (for two days 

 only) 16° ; this latter, of course, during the reign of the 

 * ' cold wave " king. 



There were 102 days when the maximum temperature 

 was between 55° and 80° ; there were 89 days when the 

 lowest point ranged between 34° and 54° ; several more 

 when the minimum was 70°, and only three when it was 

 cold enough to freeze water at noon. Of sunshiny days 

 during this same period there were no less than 82 ; 

 showery days, 28 ; cloudy, 13 ; rain all day, 4. 



Now this is the daily record of the most unpleasant 

 winter Florida has ever known. What do you think of 

 its contrast to that of the mildest winter at the North? 



Note also the fact that these temperature markings were 

 made at Jacksonville, and that the record further south 

 would show still higher points. 



As an ordinary thing the Florida autumn and winter 

 weather is very like the typical May or September of the 

 North, or the famous " Indian Summer," which every one 

 calls "delightful." 



The mornings and evenings are cool enough as a rule 

 to make a brisk wood fire quite cosy and comfortable, and 

 sometimes for several days together it is very acceptable 

 all day long ; in truth, necessary to comfort. 



And then again there are times, many of them, when 

 no fire at all is wanted, but rather summer clothing out- 

 side the heavy under flannels that wise people wear, even 

 though it be balmy Florida ; we have dressed at Christ- 

 mas tide in thin white outer garments, and again in heavy 

 blue flannels. 



*' Variety is the spice of life," and it is this very quality 

 that saves Florida's climate from being enervating. 



