6 
THE FLORA OF THE GREAT KARASBERG 
In spite of the fact that the greater elevations are situated near the 
western limit of the range, the greater rainfall is deposited on the eastern 
side of the watershed. The records are not yet sufficient to afford a direct 
proof of this, but it is sufficiently indicated by the vegetation as well as by 
the testimony of those who know various parts of the range. It is said that 
the rain almost invariably comes from the N. E. It would appear then that 
the eastern plateaux are high and massive enough to cause so much deposition 
that the wind is comparatively dry by the time that it reaches the more 
westerly peaks. Consequently, the highest elevations, on which species of 
the greatest geographical interest might be expected to occur, are arid and 
their vegetation in the main karroid. 
There is little available information as to the actual amount of rainfall at 
any of the stations visited. The following figures give the amounts registered 
at Narudas Slid in 1912. It is certain that a greater quantity fell in the 
same period at Narudas Nord and in the neighbourhood of the divide and 
that more westerly stations received smaller quantities. 
Narudas Slid, 1912 1 . 
January 
Rainfall in mm. 
12-7 
Rainy Days 
5 
February 
57-9 
12 
March 
333 
10 
April 
0 
2 
May 
0 
4 
June 
8-4 
3 
July 
0 
1 
August 
0 
0 
September 
0 
0 
October 
0 
0 
November 
0 
2 
December 
59 - 4 1 2 
8 
Total 
171-7 
47 
Although this amount is small it is nevertheless almost certain that the 
Gieat Karasberg enjoys both a greater and a more constant rainfall than any 
1 By the courtesy of Herr Feldwebel Scharf, O.C. at Narudas Siid military post. 
- 86 mm. fell between 10 p.m. and 11 a.m. on December 28—29. The Keiap River which runs 
eastwards through Narudas Siid was in flood for 7 days following. Therefore more than 36 mm. 
must have fallen between Narudas Siid and the watershed. 
