to which the temperature is reduced, after the first burst of
the monsoon, is not to be appreciated by the indications of the
thermometer alone, but is rendered still more sensible by the altered
density of the air, the drier state of which is favourable to
evaporation, whilst the increase of its movement bringing it more
rapidly in contact with the human body, heat is more readily carried
off, and the coolness of the surface proportionally increased. It
occasionally happens during the month of June that the westerly wind
acquires considerable strength, sometimes amounting to a moderate gale.
The fishermen, at this period, seldom put to sea: their canoes are drawn
far up in lines upon the shore, and vessels riding in the roads of
Colombo are often driven from their anchorage and stranded on the beach.

[Sidenote:
Wind S.W.
Temperature, 24 hours:
Mean greatest 84.8 deg
Mean least 74.9 deg
Rain (inches) 3.4]

_July_ resembles, to a great extent, the month which precedes it, except
that, in all particulars the season is more moderate, showers are less
frequent, there is less wind, and less absolute heat.

[Sidenote:
Wind S.W.
Temperature, 24 hours:
Mean greatest 84.9 deg.
Mean least 74.7 deg.
Rain (inches) 2.8]

_August_.--In August the weather is charming, notwithstanding
withstanding a slight increase of heat, owing to diminished evaporation;
and the sun being now on its return to the equator, its power is felt in
greater force on full exposure to its influence.

[Sidenote:
Wind S.W.
Temperature, 24 hours:
Mean greatest 84.9 deg
Mean least 74.8 deg
Rain (inches) 5.2]

_September_.--The same atmospheric condition continues throughout
September, but towards its close the sea-breeze becomes unsteady and
clouds begin to collect, symptomatic of the approaching change to the
north-east monsoon. The nights are always clear and delightfully cool.
Rain is sometimes abundant.

[Sidenote:
Wind S.W. and N.E.
Temperature, 24 hours:
Mean greatest 85.1 deg
Mean least 73.3 deg
Rain (inches) 11.2]

_October_ is more unsettled, the wind veering towards the north, with
pretty frequent rain; and as the sun is now far to the southward, the
heat continues to decline.

[Sidenote:
Wind N.E.
Temperature, 24 hours:
Mean greatest 86.3 deg
Mean least 71.5 deg
Rain (inches) 10.7]

_November_ sees the close of the so