1832.] 
CITY OF LIMA. 
445 
I 
The annual variation of the thermometer is about 9° Reaumur 
— that is, from 13°, which marks the greatest degree of cold, to 22", 
which is the register of the greatest heat. In addition to this, there 
is a diurnal variation, which is governed entirely by temperature 
induced by the fluctuation of sunshine and clouds. It ascends, 
according to the number of clear hours in a day, from half a de- 
gree to a degree ; and again, from a space of cloudy weather, it 
descends an equal amount. This diurnal variation of course does 
not take place in days that are entirely cloudy. In the variable or 
clear days, the thermometer rises about two thirds of a degree by 
one in the afternoon, and one third more by four o'clock, which is 
the period of greatest heat. In the night, it descends to the same 
lines from whence it rose in the day. 
The heat which is felt in Lima is generally proportioned to the ' 
indications of the thermometer, corresponding to the changes pro- 
duced by the winds and clouds. The winds are always refresh- 
ing, so that during the days of greatest heat, the thermometer does 
not rise when they blow ; but in calms, the heat is oppressive. 
The barometer regularly maintains the height of twenty- 
seven inches four lines ; varying no more than 2° 4', without any 
fixed rule, according to the Peruvian observations. But the learned 
Humboldt discovered a daily flux and reflux. From five to nine 
o'clock A. M., it ascends to its greatest height ; from nine to twelve 
it is stationary: soon it descends, until four P.M.: at seven it 
begins to rise, and continues to do so till eleven, and remains 
stationary till twelve : then again it descends till half past four in 
the morning. These observations were made by Humboldt, in the 
city of Lima, in eighteen hundred and two. 
It may be said that there are but two seasons in Lima. The 
one of summer, in which the heat requires all to put on clothes 
of the hghtest kind ; and the other of winter, in which a total 
change of clothing is required. But to a more close observer, it , 
is manifest that the changes of the four seasons are distinctly 
marked. The most notable of these changes is the equinox of 
September, which marks the commencement of the southern 
spring. Every thing then indicates that the god of day has re- 
turned from the north to gladden and warm the southern climes. 
Nature is put more actively in motion, and every thing seems to 
augment in volume and power. Even the animal creation, by its 
