94 



TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 



from the year 1791 to 1803, it appears that the fall of rain from 

 the beginning of January to the end of May, is so trifling, as 

 scarcely to affect the rain-gage. Indeed, during thej month 

 of March, not a drop of rain fell in the period of thirteen years. 

 There were moderate showers during June, July, August, and 

 September ; and heavy rains fell in October, November, and 

 December. But at St. Helena, excepting in very dry seasons, 

 there are usually some heavy rain, fine showers, or drizzling rain 

 in every month of the year. 



The natives of India provide for their dry months, by retaining 

 the monsoon rains in tanks or reservoirs, several miles in length: 

 which serve for their crops until the rainy season returns. 



Abstract of Mr. Roebuck's account of Rain which fell at Madras, 

 from 1791 to 1803, inclusive. 



Average fall of Rain in each Month during Thirteen years. 



January 

 February 

 March 

 April 



May 

 June 



The average fall of rain was 49.3 inches per annum. It 

 sometimess happened in the month of November, after unceas- 

 ing rains, that the quantity which fell during 24 hours, measured 

 7 inches. 



