PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
433 
Otaheite; but at Woalioo this has been done by the gentlemen attached CHAP, 
to the missions, from which it appears that the mean temperature for 
1821 was 75°, the maximum 88°, and the minimum 59°, and that the ^Feb. 
daily range on an average was about 13°. In the last fortnight of May? 
1826, we found the maximum 83°, and minimum 74° ; and in the last 
fortnight of February, 1827, maximum 80°, and minimum 58°. 
The N. E. trade wind, in general, blows strong to the windward of 
the Sandwich Islands, though for many miles to leeward of them fre- 
quent calms and light baffling winds prevail, and impede the navigation 
between the islands. About the period of the rainy season these winds are 
interrupted by gales from north-west to south-west, but when they cease 
the trade resumes its usual course. The duration of this season at 
Woahoo is from February to May. In 1 826 it was over on the 19th of 
May ; and in 1827, it began on the 17th of February. At this period 
the rains are occasionally very heavy; in 1826 and 1830, I have been 
informed they were particularly so ; at other times, however, the reverse 
takes place, and from August 1821, to the same month of the following 
year, it appears by the register of the missionaries that there were but 
forty days on which rain fell. 
The windward sides of the islands are said to be much colder, and 
to be subject to more rain than the leewmrd sides. They are also liable to 
fogs in the spring of the year, while those which are opposite are enjoying 
sunshine. The mountains, from their height, act upon the atmosphere 
as powerful condensers, and in particular times oi the year are scarcely 
ever free from mists ; these are occasionally detached by gusts of wind 
and carried over the leew^ard parts of the island, and it is not unusual 
in Honoruru to experience a pretty sharp sprinkling of rain without 
perceiving any eloud from whence it proceeds. 
Water-spouts not unfrequently visit these islands, one of which 
1 was told burst over the harbour of Honoruru, when it discharged 
such a quantity of water that the sea rose three feet. I have repeatedly 
seen this phenomenon on a small scale carrying a column of dust along 
the plains near Honoruru, and whirling hats into the air ; and once saw 
a native boy greatly puzzled to escape from its influence. 
I shall finish these remarks with some observations on the use and 
effects of the ava, a root which was formerly in much use in the Pacific, 
3 K 
