1256 Dr Arnoid‘’s Meteorological Observations at Port Antonio, 
the night ; — thus tempering the day and night, so as to be em 
diired by the European without inconvenience or danger, if he 
does not incautiously expose himself at night. 
July, August, and September, are the most sultry months 
throughout the year, and are always calm, both day and night. 
The breezes that generally favour us during the day, set in so 
late, and are so light, that the inhabitants are glad to keep 
within. There is little or no breeze at night ; and, as may be 
seen from the Tables, the thermometer is higher at this than at 
any other period during the year, being not unfrequently known 
to rise, when exposed to the sun, to the incredible height of 135° 
of Fahrenheit. There is very little variation during the twenty- 
four hours ; the mercury seldom falls in the night more than 4° 
or 5°. Lightning and thunder are very frequent and terrific du- 
ring these months, and often do considerable mischief, if unac- 
companied by rain. This, however, is seldom the case on the 
north side of Jamaica. 
I look upon this period to be the most trying to the European 
constitution. The days are sultry ; and the nights are equally 
so, — preserving almost one uniform and continued oppressive 
heat for the twenty-four hours. 
If any season calls forth the energy, the prudence, and cau- 
tious care of the individual, it is this ; for it is but too obvious, 
that what might be done with impunity in the cooler months of 
January, &c., would occasion certain death in this period. 
October, November, and December, are the months when 
rain may be expected, which never fails to cool the air^ and is 
certainly of astonishing benefit. This is designated the rainy 
season. It sets in about the middle or latter end of October, 
and continues until the approach of northerly winds, which are 
sometimes known to prevail in Decemberj and are by no means 
unwelcome. 
These are the months that are also looked upon as the hurri^ 
cane period. Earthquakes, tempests^ and storms, frequently take 
place. Some awful and desolating visitations have occurred in 
different parts of the island, leaving melancholy records of in- 
numerable misfortunes. 
The period from the month of November to April I look 
upon as exceedingly healthy. The prevailing winds, and the 
comparatively low temperature, render the climate nearly simi- 
