CHAPTEE IV. 
CLIMATE, TEMPERATUPvE, SEASONS. 
TfiE climate of Trinidad is intertropic a,l. We are not 
exposed to the cold blasts of winter, nor are we subjected 
to the intolerable heat of the ToiTid Zone. Beins; north 
of the Equator, it is to a certain extent similar in its 
seasons to England. The hottest month in England is 
the hottest month in Trinidad ; the longest day in 
England is the longest day in Trinidad. Although we 
do not know the soothing pleasures of a summer’s 
lingering twilight, yet there are about two hours dif- 
ference in the length of the day. In June it is light 
from five o’clock a.m. to seven o’clock p.ji., while in 
December it is light only from about six o’clock a.ji. to 
six o’clock p.M. The sweet hours of twilight are not 
known in Trinidad, for no sooner has the sun set than a 
chilliness is felt, and darkness draws on apace. 
The nights, however, may be said to compensate for 
any loss we suffer from the absence of twilight. In 
Trinidad the nights are very lovely in the dry season. 
From Januajy to June we mostly have clear starlight 
or brilliant moonlight. In a clear frosty night it is 
very pleasing beneath northern skies to gaze above, and 
watch the stars, but in the Tropics tlie stars are re- 
splendent and new consteEations are to be seen. The 
Southern Cross is there in all its distinctness of outline, 
xind as it dips, you may, according to the time of year, 
know* the hour. Venus and Jupiter are beaiitiful Avliere- 
ever seen ; but in Trinidad I have seen Venus cast a 
distinct shadow on land and water when she has ])een 
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