MONSOONS. 
In the Indian Ocean certain periodical winds prevail, which blow 
for nearly six months of the year in one direction, and for the other six 
in an opposite direction. The Malays call them Mooseen, which sig- 
nifies year or season. In English, this term has been corrupted into 
Monsoons. 
These winds blow with most regularity between Hindustan and the 
eastern coast of Africa. When the sun is south of the equator, that is, 
from October to April, a north-east Monsoon prevails ; but when the 
sun is north of the equator, that is, from April to October, a south- 
western current becomes established. When the sun passes the equator 
and the Monsoons are changing their direction, variable winds or tem- 
pests generally occur. This disturbance is called by seamen the break- 
ing up of the Monsoons. 
This change is the harbinger of the rainy season in India, and is 
ushered in by violent storms. The approach of the south-west Monsoon 
is announced by vast masses of clouds which rise from the Indian Ocean 
and advance to the north-east, gathering and thickening as they get near 
to the land. After some threatening days the sky assumes a troubled 
appearance in the evenings, and the Monsoon generally sets in during 
the night. It begins with violent blasts of wind succeeded by floods of 
rain. For some hours lightning is seen almost without intermission, and 
the thunder bursts on the ear with a sudden and tremendous crash. At 
length the thunder ceases, and nothing is heard but the continual pouring 
of rain and the rushing of rising streams. The next day presents a 
gloomy spectacle ; the rain still descends in torrents and scarcely allows 
a view of the blackened fields ; the rivers are swollen and discoloured, 
and sweep down along with them the hedges, the huts, and the remains 
of the cultivation carried on during the dry season. 
" This lasts for some days, after which the sky clears and discovers 
the face of nature changed as if by enchantment. Before the storm, 
the fields were parched up, and except in the beds of the rivers scarce a 
blade of vegetation was to be seen. The clearness of the sky was not 
interrupted by a single cloud, but the atmosphere was loaded with dust : 
a parching wind blew like a blast from a furnace, and heated wood, iron, 
and every solid material even in the shade ; and immediately before the 
Monsoon this wind had been succeeded by still more sultry calms. But 
when the first violence of the Monsoon is over the whole earth is covered 
with a sudden but luxuriant verdure ; the rivers are full and tranquil ; 
the air pure and delicious ; and the sky is varied and embellished with 
clouds. The effect of this change is visible on all the animal creation, 
and can only be imagined in Europe by supposing the depth of a dreary 
winter to start at once into all the freshness and brilliancy of spring. 
From that time the rain falls at intervals for about a month, when it 
comes on again with great violence ; and in July the rains are at their 
height : during the third month they rather diminish, but are still heavy ; 
and in September they gradually abate, and are often suspended till near 
the end of the month, when they depart amid thunders and tempests as 
they came."* 
* Elphinstonc's Caubul. 
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