502 RAINS — COLNETT MOISTURE. Oct. 



as in most places near the equator. The time of the year for 

 the rains is in November, December, and January : then there 

 is oftentimes excessive dark tempestuous weather, mixed with 

 much thunder and lightning. Sometimes before and after these 

 months there are moderate refreshing showers ; but in May, 

 June, July, and August, the weather is always very fair." ' 

 I can add nothing to this excellent description, except that 

 heavy rollers occasionally break upon the northern shores of 

 the Galapagos during the rainy season above-mentioned — 

 though no wind of any consequence accompanies them. They 

 are caused by the ' Northers,' or ' Papagayos,' which are so 

 well known on the coast between Panama and Acapulco. Col- 

 nett also gives a good description of these islands : — in his voy- 

 age, p. 58, he says, " I consider it as one of the most delightful 

 climates under heaven, although situated within a few miles of 

 the equator." The buccaneers often resorted to them for re- 

 freshments, and as a place where they might refit their vessels, 

 share out plunder, or plan new schemes of rapine, without any 

 risk of being molested. 



Striking instances of the manner in which high land deprives 

 air of its moisture may be seen at the Galapagos. Situated in a 

 wind nearly perennial, those sides only which are exposed to it 

 (the southern) are covered with verdure, and have water : all 

 else is dry and barren, excepting such high ground as the pass- 

 ing clouds hang upon indolently as they move northward. In 

 a similar manner may Ave not conclude that western Peru is 

 deprived of rain— since the easterly trade wind which carries 

 moisture, and consequent fertility, to eastern Peru, is drained, 

 or dried, as it crosses the Andes ? And may we not extend 

 this reasoning to other countries similarly situated, such as 

 Patagonia, perhaps Arabia, and even Africa, upon whose arid 

 deserts no moist wind blows.'' Currents of air, moving from 

 ocean to land, convey vapour ; but as these currents pass over 



* During the rainy season, or from November to March (which is not, 

 however, at all to be compared to a continental rainy season) there are 

 calms, variable breezes, and sometimes westerly winds : though the latter 

 are neither of long duration, nor frequent. 



