56 



in a thick stratum of vapours. These different 

 changes follow successively, we were assured, 

 during whole months ; and yet not a breath of 

 wind is felt. Comparative experiments led us 

 to believe, that in general the nights at Cuma- 

 nacoa are from two to three, and the days from 

 four to five centesimal degrees cooler, than at 

 the port of Cumana. These differences are 

 great ; and if, instead of meteorological instru- 

 ments, we consulted only our own feelings, we 

 should suppose they were still more considera- 

 ble*. 



The vegetation of the plain that surrounds 

 the town is monotonous, but, owing to the ex- 

 treme humidity of the air, remarkable for it's 

 freshness. It is chiefly characterized by an ar- 

 borescent solanum, which is forty feet in height, 



* Cumanacoa, 1799, Sept. the 6th, midnight : thermome- 

 ter, 157° of Reaumur: De Luc's hygrometer, 85° (foggy). 

 The 7tb, at the same hour : thermom., 148° Reaum: j hy- 

 grom., 85 8°. At 25' after 12 ; therm , 16'4°R. j hygrom., 

 55.3° (starlight). At 4' after 1, therm., 15° R: j hygr., 82° 

 (sky cloudy, mist $ lunar rainbow 5 lightning without thun- 

 der [eclairs de chaleur] at a distance). Sept. the 9th, at 8 

 o'clock in the morning : therm., 17 '2 e R. ; hygr. 72* (sky 

 cloudy). At 45' after 1 : therm., 22° R. ; hygr., 48°. At 

 7, after the rain and thunderstorm : therm., 17*3° R. ; hygr., 

 52o. At 10 in the evening; therm., 16*4° R. ; hygr., 82° 

 (foggy). The valley of Cumanacoa is very subject to thun- 

 derstorms. It is affirmed, that in the month of October 

 thunder is heard the greater part of every day. 



