recorded the greatest fall in 2d hours, viz., 6.10 inches. The minimum fall 
in any one month was that registered at the Water- Works Reservoir. 
Thompson Road, viz., 0.68 inches. 
24. As already noticed by others, it is interesting to study the Singa- 
pore tables of rainfall, and to observe how every few years, varying 
apparently from 8 to . 10, we have a very large annual fall of rain, and a 
smaller fall, though still above the average, about every five years. Such 
seems, at least, to be the more or less general result, if we" look at the 
records from their very commencement until now. 
25. What degree of influence the forest denudation (happily now 
checked ), which has been going on here for some years, has had on our 
rainfall, ±t is difficult to say, but considering the situation of Singapore 
island rel^ively to the two monsoons, and the very few hills we have 
high enough to affect much the rain-bearing clouds, I do not think it has 
been very great. 
• Tlia ^ however, forest desiccation does influence rainfall materi- 
ally there can he little doubt. Of this, many proofs now exist, but in. 
further confirmation may be quoted an article which appeared early in 
this year in an East American paper called the Southern Bivouac upon 
the forest destruction which has been going on recently in that country, 
i he writing is clothed in the tall but quaint and pithy language of a 
transatlantic cousin, whose view, though pessimistic, doubtless yet con- 
tains much truth. It is headed “ Eorest Desiccation ” and runs thus : 
“ If the progress of tree destruction in the Western Atlighanies, should 
continue at the present, rate, the yearly inundations of the Ohio vallev 
will soon assume an appalling aspect, and ere long the scenes of the river 
suburns of Louisville and Cincinnati will repeat themselves at Nashville 
and Chattanooga, while the summers will become hotter and drier. In 
the Gulf States, the work of desiccation has made alarming advances 
.nooks s f reams shrink from year to year, and warm summers expose 
the gravel of river beds which fifty years ago could hardly be touched bv the 
Keels of heavy laden vessels. East America is drying up; even in the 
paradise of the blue grass region, the filing of springs has driven many 
stock-raisers with their herds to the mountains.” 
Penang. 
27 During tlie first five months of the year, the fall was unusually 
small but was compensated however by heavy falls during the last seven 
n Tlle m ? an for the y ear is 110-81, as compared 
with 86.02 in 1884, shewing an increase of 24.79 inches. 
28. The greatest fall in 24 hours was recorded on 12th July viz. 6.93 
inches at Government Hill. At this station there was also recorded the 
greatest fall m any one month, viz., 28.89 inches in September. The 
Central^PHso ° n rec0r< ^ * s ^ n °hes, which was in January, and at the 
Province Wellesley. 
• \ T \ e i ramfa11 at this -Settlement during 1885 was heavy, 106.29 
inches was the mean, against 80.60 in the previous year The Greatest 
fall m 24 hours was 5.60 inches at Bertam on 14th October The dr ie 
month was January. No rain was registered at Butter worth and Pulau 
