CEYLON BRANCH— ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY, 165 



- I believe that I have now enumerated the chief local circum- 

 stances which can affect the climate of the place and the health 

 of the inhabitants, and shall give first of all, a short synopsis of 

 the weather during the several months. 



January — During this month the mornings and evenings are 

 chilly with heavy dews ; the afternoons oppressively hot, the 

 wind generally from the north-east, there are about 7 rain days 

 and some lightning. 



February — Mornings and evenings chilly, afternoons hot, wind 

 east and north-east, about 4 days rain chiefly at the commence- 

 ment of month ; diseases mild. 



March — Weather variable, occasionally sultry in the afternoons. 

 At the commencement of the month northerly wind prevalent ; 

 towards close, interrupted by sea breezes. On about 8 rain 

 days showers generally in the afternoon or at night, and not 

 seldom accompanied by lightning. Fever still prevalent but 

 the disease is not violent. 



April— Hot at times, but variable in temperature, and also as 

 regards the direction of the wind; sickness rather prevalent and 

 severe, 11 days with rain, frequently accompanied by lightning. 



May — Wind generally westerly and temperature low, cloudy 

 weather with about 1 5 rain days ; not much sickness but dis- 

 eases acute. 



June — Cool with showers on 9 days, south-west monsoon 

 blowing uninterruptedly, a good deal of fever but in a 

 mild form. 



July — Cool south-west wind; showers on 4> days, a heal- 

 thy month. 



August — Clear hot weather, many of the tanks dry, and some 

 sickness caused among the native population by the use of un- 

 wholesome water. The station generally healthy south-west mon- 

 soon constant, 3 rain days. 



September—Fine but hot weather ; south-west wind blow- 

 ing occasionally with great violence, latter end of the month 



