VII. 
Climate, Reasons, anfr Eemperatare. 
F KOM the geographical position of Hayti, and its proximity 
to Cuba and Jamaica, a non-resident might infer that the 
climate and atmospheric range of temperature which prevail in 
either one of the Antilles were common to all, and strictly alike 
and similar in reference to this Island. 
This is not exactly the case. Its peculiar situation in re¬ 
spect to the other Antilles and to the influence of the trade 
winds, and many other natural circumstances besides, operating 
propitiously, have given to Hayti much advantage in these 
respects over her sister isles of the same group. We affirm, 
from experience, that the climate of Hayti is more healthful, 
that the range of temperature is less ardent, than in the neigh¬ 
boring islands; that the reasons as to why this should be so 
appear too various, too multiplied, to admit our specifying any 
one in particular. The fact, however, cannot be contested; so 
that, whether from the altitude of its several chains of moun¬ 
tains, the one out-topping the other, and on the lofty heads of 
which the surcharged clouds are condensed or dissolved into 
rain; the extent and fertility of its plains and valleys, every¬ 
where most liberally intersected by rivers, streams, mountain 
torrents settled into placid rills, which, under the solar influence, 
undergo constant evaporation, that refreshes and tempers the air ; 
whether these combined, together with its topography, its physi¬ 
cal configuration, and its ever-green, exuberant forests, which 
