CHAPTER IX 



TBBITATE, TIDOEE, AlTD GILOLO, 



As we steamed out of the bay of Kay^li a lieavy 

 rain came on^ for the rainy seasoDj wHch had been 

 prevailing on the sonth side of Bum, was now be- 

 ginning on the north side. 



The same alternation of seasons is seen in Ceram. 

 When I was on the south side of that island, there 

 was one contimious rain ; but when I came soon after 

 to Wahai on the north coast, the grass was diy, and 

 in many places completely parched. The cause of 

 this interchange of seasons is^ that the clouds which 

 come up from the southeast are heavily charged with 

 moisture, and when they strike against the high 

 mountain-chain which extends fi*om the eastern to the 

 western end of that island, the larger part of their 

 moisture is condensed and falls in heavy torrents, 

 so that when they pass over the water-shed they 

 pour out few or no showers.* When the wind 

 changes and comes from the northeast, the north 

 sides of Ceram and Buru are deluged, while it is dry 

 weather on their southern coasta 



* A similar eaits£5 produces tlie rflinless district of Pera, but there the 

 prevailing; wind throughout the year, at least in the upper atrata of tho 

 atmossiherc, is from the sontlioa^ 



