273 
I was told that the climate is Ijot in summer, accor- 
ding to the latitude of the place; but that all the other 
seasons are a perpetual spring. Notwithstanding this as- 
sertion, I found some days during my stay very cold; 
this, however, was looked upon in the country as a very 
extraordinary thing. 
The results of my meteorological observations are 
that the highest heat, during my stay at Tripoli, did 
not exceed 16 Q l'*of Reaumur, on the 2d December at 
20 minutes past one o*clock; and the lowest degree 
was for several mornings, and during the night, 8° 4/ 
of Reaumur. 
This diminution of heat would not be much felt in 
Europe, but here it produces such a striking effect^ 
that it resembles an European winter; but it is very 
likely that the state of the pores, which in this country 
are always open, contributes to this impresion. 
During my stay the westerly winds were predomi- 
nant. It rained very often, and the hygrometer of 
Saussure was frequently at 100°, being the extreme 
term of humidity. 
There is a fine monument near the house of the 
French consul. It is a triumphal arch built by the Ro- 
mans with an octagonal cupola, which is supported by 
four ^rches, reposing on an equal number of pillars. 
The whole is built of enormous free stones, which are 
kept together by their own weight alone, and without 
ny mortar . 
This monument was decorated as well inside as out, 
with sculptures of figures, festoons, and trophies of 
arms; but the greatest part of these relievos is destroyed^ 
* 67« Fahrenheit. 
vol. i. Mm 
