148 



TRINIDAD. 



months, and produce a refreshing action on the atmosphere: 

 whilst the bright sun and parching breezes of March, April, and 

 even of May, have for result an increase of temperature during 

 the day. 



There is also a maximum and minimum of daily temperature ; 

 and the following table shows these daily variations at the Royal 

 Gaol, for a term of five years. 



Table showing the variations of temperature at different periods 

 of the day : 



By comparing the figures in this table, it will be found that 

 the hour which exhibits the minimum variation is 6 P.M., and that 

 which presents the maximum, 3 P.M. Now, although the tempe- 

 rature is two degrees lower at 9 A.M. than at noon and 3 P.M., it may 

 yet be affirmed that the heat is excessive from that hour to 4 P.M. 

 The above table shows, also, that the increase is more gradual than 

 the decrease of temperature, the former being 5 67', within 

 six hours, viz., from 6 in the morning to 12 at noon; and the 

 latter, 4 31', within three hours, viz.: from 3 to 6 P.M. The 

 mean temperature in the sun may be estimated at 124. 



The thermometer, however, gives neither a fair indication of 

 the sensation felt by, nor of the impression made upon, the human 

 frame by a high temperature. They both depend greatly on the 

 rarefaction of the air, and the hygrometric state of the atmosphere ; 

 so that the sensation of oppression, and the general prostration 

 caused by a high temperature, are increased by sultry weather, 

 and rendered more painful than when the air is comparatively 



