ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 



181 



the days of quadrature or any other similar fixed data shew- 

 ing no undue predominance. 



From that which precedes I would then draw these de- 

 ductions — that Putlam, although of course not altogether free 

 from the disadvantages of a tropical climate, may yet be con- 

 sidered as being in many respects highly favoured. During 

 the greater portion of the year a cool refreshing sea breeze 

 steals across the face of the country, and in the wet season this 

 spot is much less subject to rain than many places even in its 

 immediate neighbourhood ; and though it must be admitted 

 that the north-east wind does often bring fever with it, and 

 produces a very disagreeable clammy sensation on those exposed 

 to it, yet the dry portions of the rainy season are particu- 

 larly pleasant, the fresh verdure of the extensive plains, the 

 light green of the budding forest, the coolness and balminess 

 of the air, and the cloudiness of the sky, not unfrequently 

 recalling to one's mind the joyous spring of Britain. 



With regard to the healthiness of the place, it is almost 

 unnecessary to say that a favourable verdict must be given : 

 the ratio of sickness is in itself not great, and even this is 

 chiefly made up by cases of fever, which merely prove a tem- 

 porary inconvenience, and only in extremely rare cases pro- 

 duce any permanent effects on the constitution. 



I have now, however imperfectly, completed my task. It 

 is unnecessary to state that I have made no attempt at theory, 

 that I have brought forward nothing new. I have simply 

 confirmed the statements or opinions of others, merely written 

 down that which is patent to all, and parhaps on this very 

 account neglected and unknown by many. From its very 

 nature a paper of this kind cannot in itself possess any great 

 interest, the sphere is too contracted, and, consequently the de- 

 ductions too liable to error and objection ; as one of a series, it 



