14 



it may be accepted that the temperature throughout the whole year is very 

 constant, and that the mean variation is probably between 26 and 27 C. 

 (24,223). 



Braak's table (24, 221) quotes the average rainfall for several years for 

 Sorong, Manokoeari, Djende on Roon Island, and Windesi to the south 

 of Geelvink Bay. In both the latter stations the rainfall is much higher 

 than on the more exposed N. const at Sorong and Manokoeari. 



In the historical summary the prevailing weather has been quoted 

 whenever recorded, and it will be seen to vary considerably. At Mano- 

 koeari, January and June were considered the wettest months. During 

 a stay there in November 1913 the weather was very fine; jbut on my 

 return in December the rainy season had set in and there was rain every 

 day, generally in the afternoon, the temperature being markedly cooler. 



In the intervening period, spent at Waren and Wariap, on the coast of 

 Geelvink Bay, in the Arfak, and on returning- to Manokoeari along the 

 coast, only three half-days of rain were experienced, and these occurred on 

 the way up and while at the lakes, where the rain was also accompanied 

 by strong \A'ind. Otherwise the fine still weather was a constant source of 

 amazement to the Papuans, the rainy season being well overdue, and they 

 attributed this lucky chance to the fact that sometimes at the ch;mge of the 

 monsun a short halcyon period of fine weather sets in. 



At Waren and Wariap a very strong N.W. breeze invariably sprang up 

 between 3 and 4 P.M., causing a sudden fall of temperature. 



Unfortunately my only available calendar was lost at Waren. Con- 

 sequently, no readings were taken either there or at Wariap, and only one or 

 two in the mountains, which were as follows : 



On the Momi River, 3500'. 75 F. 6 P.M. 

 On the crest of the S.W. ridge, 8500'. 68 F. 4 P.M. 

 On the "Woman" lake, 7000'. 60 F. 7 A.M. ; and on the following 

 day at the same hour, 55 F. 



Up at the lakes it was always cool in the early morning, the sun being 

 very hot in the middle of the day, but cooling down in the afternoon and at 

 night, though warmer thau at the same altitude on Kinabalu. Both Pratt 

 and Gjellerup reported very wet weather during their several stays at the 



3. PHYTOGEOGRAPHY. 



The general plant-formations, as is shown below, agree in broad outline 

 with the topographical zones already described. They are : 

 (a) Beach Formation : Immediate Shore-Line. 

 (6) Inundation Forest Belt : " Koran g " or Coral-Limestone Zone, 



