CLIMATE. 



363 



It may be generally stated that the north-west and west winds 

 set in about the end of November or the beCTinningr of December, 

 and prevail until the end of March. Although heavy gales accom- 

 pany the frequent shiftings of the wind, especially when it is from 

 the S.W., these islands are beyond the sweep of the hurricanes 

 which in this season of the year occasionall}'- devastate the groups 

 to the eastward. The period of the westerly winds in the Solomon 

 Islands is also characterised by calms and variable winds. The 

 exhilarating freshness of the Trade then gives place to the enervating 

 influence of the Monsoon ; and, in consequence, the period of westerly 

 winds is the sickly season. 



EAIN-REGISTER AT SANTA ANNA. 



(Kept by Mr. Charles Sproul ^ between October 25th, 1882, and December 31st, 1883.) 



The rain-guage used was of the common roiuid funnel pattern (5-7 

 inches). The observations were made at Port Mary on the west side of the 

 island. The elevation of the guage was some four or five feet (or less) above 

 the hijrli tide level. 



MONTH. 



1882. 

 October, 25th— 31st 



November 



December 



1883. 



January 



February 



March 



April 



May 



June 



•Tuly 



August 



September 



October 



November 



December 



Number of rainy 

 days. 2 



5 

 15 

 24 



Total, 44 



12 

 20 

 J 3 

 24 

 16 

 19 

 23 

 15 

 12 



9 

 11 



8 



Greatest daily fall. 



Total, 182 



1^70 

 1^97 

 2-24 



2 03 

 2^00 



•84 

 3^22 



3 33 

 7-73 

 3-45 

 2^02 

 2^52 

 1-67 

 ±•20 

 1^68 



1 1 am indebted to Mr. William Heughan for commencing this register. 

 - By rainy days are meant those days on which not less i^^ of an inch of rain were 

 measured. 



