462 Some Account of Benthamia fragifera, fyc. 



the atmosphere during this period is greater than at any other time 

 of the year, as the difference between a dry and moist bulb ther- 

 mometer amounts in the mornings and evenings to from 10° to 15°, 

 and in the day time from 12° to 20°. Owing therefore to this dry- 

 ness as well as to the clearness of the atmosphere during this season, 

 the sun's rays have full power during the day, when the maxi- 

 mum of temperature is attained, but the same state continuing 

 during night, considerable radiation of caloric takes place and 

 cold is produced ; hence, as occurs in cold and temperate latitudes, 

 there is a greater range of the thermometer than in other sea- 

 sons. We therefore find in the Flora a resemblance to that of 

 temperate regions, and among the plants which are in flower at this 

 season, are most of those which will be afterwards mentioned as 

 forming the flora of this altitude, and belonging almost entirely to 

 European genera. Several of the fruits also ripen towards the 

 latter part of this period, as apricots, apples, and Myrica sapida 

 near the villages, and early in the season strawberries and brambles. 



The rainy season commences about the middle of June and con- 

 tinues to the middle of September, the atmosphere is frequently 

 enveloped in clouds, which generally clear away in the evening. 

 Showers of rain fall almost every day, and a continual degree of 

 moisture is maintained, which would become excessive were it not 

 for the constant interchange of air which takes place on account 

 of the difference of temperature between the bases and tops of 

 these mountains. The moisture of these rainy months prevents 

 the excessive increase of temperature, which would otherwise ne- 

 cessarily take place in the months of June, July and August; while 

 the cloudiness prevents the too free radiation of heat during night, 

 and thus checks the production of excessive cold ; uniformity of 

 temperature is, therefore, produced, a result assisted by the extrica- 

 tion of heat during the passage of water from its aeriform to its 

 liquid state, as well also, as from the condensation of strata of air 



