d = in fractions of a day a, 48188= log. 9. 6829389 log. 9.9865478 Moon A. R. 2 8 21.55 m = 0 1 58.96 Mean Sun's A. R. 14 12 44.89 1 0 9.86 On consulting the ephemeris of the Moon, I find that the Moon's polar distance is about 79° at the time of her rising. is not seen here before sun-set. 2.333132 the true time of rising at Madras. Hence this eclipse A similar operation repeated gives the time of the Moon setting. In conclusion I beg to apologize for intruding to so great a length on your valuable time and beg to remain Your most obedient servant, GODAY VENCAT JUGGAROW. VII. Observations on the Flora of Courtallum.-By ROBERT WIGHT, M. D. Surgeon, 33d Regt. N. I. The following desultory observations on the climate and flora of an interesting tract of country, are drawn up from occasional memoranda made during two hurried visits, and are imperfect in many points, but still, such as will, I trust, be considered worthy of a place in the Madras Journal; if not for any value they may themselves possess, at least as an inducement to others, to come forward with similar remarks made in circumstances more favourable to the attainment of minute accuracy. In offering remarks on the vegetation of a country, it is customary to premise some account of its soil and dimate generally, to enable those who take an interest in such enquiries, but who have not had an opportunity of examining these particulars, to judge from analogy of the accuracy of the details submitted, as well as to form analogies for other localities. In compliance with this custom, I shall devote this paper to a general account of the soil and climate of Courtallum, and of the causes by which the latter is so much modified, as to make it differ from that of every other part of the Indian peninsula, perhaps even of the world; and in my next, enter more at large on the examination of its vegetable products, combining such remarks as occasion offers, on its capability both in a horticultural and agricultural point of view. The plain of Courtallum is situated in a small recess, formed by the retiring of a portion of that great range of mountains which divide the southern extremity of the peninsula into two unequal parts, and is consequently surrounded on three sides by hills. At this place the mountain range sustains a considerable diminution both in its height and breadth, and is besides, divided through its whole thickness by a narrow pass leading directly across to the Malabar Coast. The effect of this arrangement is, as might be expected, that a portion of the south west monsoon passes over, modifying in a remarkable degree the climate and vegetable products of this spot. Owing to this cause, early in June, Courtallum is visited by strong westerly winds, bringing with them dense clouds, frequent, often. heavy falls of rain, which extend over nearly the whole of the recess, and covering the mountain tops with thick mist. While this state of things continues, the rays of the sun are. intercepted by thick clouds, rapid evaporation is kept up by frequent showers and strong winds, and by the capacity of the air for moisture, being at the same time increased, owing to its passing from a lowerto a higher temperature. The conjoint operation of these causes, produces a reduction in the temperature of from 10 to 15 degrees below that of the adjoining plain and of the Carnatic generally, averaging about 75° while that of the plains is. from 85 to 90 degrees. This great diminution of heat, combined with the remarkable dryness of the air, even during rainy weather, has most deservedly acquired for this spot a character for salubrity, during the prevalence of the south west monsoon, unequalled perhaps by any other at a similar elevation on the Coromandel coast. Here, though barely 700 feet above the level of the sea, one may often for weeks together be in the open air, at any hour of the day, being protected from the direct rays of the sun. by a thick canopy of clouds, and cooled by strong and dry winds. This peculiar dryness which has been long remarked, but never so far as I have been able to learn been accounted for, is I think satisfactorily explained on the principle already mentioned, the change of capacity for moisture which the air undergoes in passing from a |