1451. The British climate varies materially within itself: some districts are dry, as the east; others moist, as the west coast: in the northern extremity, dry, cold, and windy; in the south, warm and moist. Even in moist districts, some spots are excessively dry, as part of Wigtonshire, from the influence of the Isle of Man in warding off the watery clouds of the Atlantic; and, in dry districts, some spots are moist, from the influence of high mountains in attracting and condensing clouds charged with watery vapour. The mean temperature of London equals 50ﾦ 36'; that of Edinburgh equals 47ﾦ 84'; and the probable mean temperature of all Britain will equal 48ﾦ. The usual range of the barometer is within three inches. The mean annual rain is probably about 32 inches. The climate is variable, and subject to sudden alternations of heat and cold, which are supposed to render pulmonary complaints common with us; but, on the whole, it is healthy; and the moisture of our clouded atmosphere clothes our fields with a lasting verdure, unknown to the more favoured regions of southern Europe. (T.)
