On the Climate of the 



It has a general resemblance to Solomon's Seal : leaves alter- 

 nate, smooth and perforated by the stem, which is forked near the 

 top : bearing one, rarely two, drooping liliaceous yellow flower b 

 early in May 



Art. VII. An Examination of the Question, whether the Climate 

 of the Valleij of the Mississippi, under similar parallels of Lad 

 tude, is loarmer than that of the Atlantic Coast ? By Lewis C, 

 Beck, M. D. 



Read before the 2d Department, Sept. 1, 1823 



Climate is a subject which has always excited the deepest in- 

 terest, and claimed the most profound attention. This will not ap- 

 pear extraordinary, when we reflect how great a portion of our com- 

 fort and happiness is dependent on it. Notwithstanding this, it ic 

 as yet but partially understood ; many of its laws have eluded the 

 most diligent search of philosophers, and remain clouded in ob~ 

 scurity. 



The fundamental principle, that the temperature of any climate 

 depends chiefly on latitude or distance from the equator, is in the 

 main correct. But there are also many known and unknown 

 causes by which it is materially affected. Among the former, may 

 be mentioned the peculiar configuration of the country, whether 

 low or elevated, the extent of the continent, nature of the soil, 

 whether cultivated or in a state of nature, the proximity of moun 



occur, and hence they are only recorded as facts beyond our pre- 

 sent knowledge of causes. 



The influence of the causes above enumerated, which may be 

 called local, has always bceu deemed by theorists much less con- 

 siderable in the eastern, than in the western continent. Hence the 

 opinion that their climates are materially different has received 

 universal sanction. It is now, however, rendered certain, by the 

 extensive observations and diligent researches of Baron Humboldt, 

 that the difference is much less than has been usually stated. 



Various other theories, concerning the climate of different con 

 tinents and concerning that of different parts of the same con- 

 tinent have in like manner gained currency without any well at- 

 ^trd factn to v-upporf them. And among fhr- not the least cu- 



