xxxiv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 



doubt from the situation being more exposed to the south-east 

 trade wind. In James's Town it is generally 5° to 7° higher than 

 at Phuitation-house. 



These are the temperatures within doors. In the open air at 

 Plantation-house the thermometer sometimes falls to 52°, which 

 happens between June and September; and in this winter season 

 (if it may be so called) the inhabitants living in the country find 

 it necessary, or at least comfortable, to make use of fires in their 

 rooms. Thus, it will be perceived, there is a diversity of cli- 

 mate ; so that a person residing in James's Town, in the warm 

 season, may pass, within the short space of an hour, from the 

 medium temperature of India, to that of the spring or summer 

 months in England. This has been found beneficial to valetudi- 

 narians from India, who occasionally resort to the island : some 

 of whom have been restored to perfect health, after a few months 

 residence in this salubrious climate. 



The late Governor Brooke assured me, that during the period 

 of his government, a gentleman arrived from England who had 

 been long suflTering under a pulmonic consumption. He .seemed 

 to be in what is generally termed the last stage of that disorder 

 (this to medical men may appear doubtful) : he was extremely 

 reduced, and apparently beyond recovery. After residing only 

 three months, he was completely restored, returned to his native 

 country, and continued in the enjoyment of health for many 

 years afterwards. 



In the XlVth Section of the first part of this work, I have 

 treated, at considerable length, upon the rainy seasons. It will 

 be sufficient, therefore, in this place to remark, that during the 

 year there are two seasons of rain. The summer rains are usually 

 expected in January or February ; and the winter rains in July 

 or August. The periods of their continuance are generally from 

 six weeks to two months : but neither their setting in, nor dura- 



