The range of the thermometer exhibits no violent changes, and never indicates a temperature insupportably high.

The mean on an annual average scarcely exceeds 80 deg.

at Colombo, though in exceptional years it has risen to 86 deg.

But at no period of the day are dangerous results to be apprehended from exposure to the sun; and except during parts of the months of March, and April, there is no season when moderate exercise is not practicable and agreeable.

For half the year, from October to May, the prevailing winds are from the north-east, and during the remaining months the south-west monsoon blows steadily from the great Indian Ocean.