348

INDIA

doubtedly a degree of physical deterioration such as is
not experienced in the north. Throughout India exception
must be made to those stations which enjoy the cool
atmosphere of high altitude. There are hill-stations
scattered through the length and breadth of India, all of
them possessing local attractions, which render them
delightful resorts for many months of the year. ‘India,
indeed, possesses every sort of climate, and it may appear
difficult at first sight to account for the extraordinary
modifications (if not actual contradictions) which occur
sven within a comparatively small area. Many of these

JAN. FEB.
“LO WEATHT

MARCH-MAY
HOT WEATHER
BE ASON

RAITT
OVE 20 i
py
pe
s- 2
18200)

1G. 105.

weather anomalies are due to the influence which the
physiography of the country exercises on the monsoon
currents, to the periodic return of which all India looks
for that all-important rain-supply which yearly waters
the parched plains, and renders its deserts green with
abundant fertility.
The monsoon is the yearly salvation of the millions
that live on the fruits of the soil. A good or bad monsoon
 is the criterion of plenty or of famine. By it India
lives ; without it there is starvation, death, and misery.
The anxiety, therefore, with which all, from highest to
lowest, look out for the first warning telegrams from
the Seychelles or Mauritius of these indications which
are the forerunners of the yearly rain-supply may well