310
THE FAR EAST.
the small isles forming its Iimbs, spring, summer, autumn, and winter in turn prevail, a rainy period following the second, while snow faills to ID considerable depth in the hlitter. But the extremes of temperature are not as great as in New England, the greatest heat coming in August. The wet season is accompanied by high winds, and sometimes hurricanes rage. In the more 'sout herly regions the mORsoon swee}'ls sea and land, th0Hgh less frequently, and with less fury thain off the coast of China.' The 1>almy sout h winds of the Pacific prevail generally, so bright sunny days are the
rule in the central islands. H ere the seasons change with clockwork regularity, and the altern~ting breezes of morning and evening make a delightfi.ll climate. Except t he two weeks of' rain alDd the burdensome sllltriness of the do-yo, or August dog-days, there is rulm0st d!liHy sunshine from April to November. Even in the month of Decembell, though tile nights are cold, the days ,Lre warm, and by ¡t he time of the March s01stice t he flower gardens begin to blossom like 'the rose, alDrl t ne fruit-trees put on their decorations, while the inhabitants don their light and white summ er garbs. ,I