The range of the thermometer in Lower Chaldoea is perhaps 100 deg., whereas in England it is scarcely 80 deg., there is thus a greater difference between the heat of summer and the cold of winter there than here; but the actual greatest cold--that which benumbs the Arabs and makes them fall from their horses--is no more than we often experience in April, or even in May.
The rainy season of Chaldaea is in the winter time.

Heavy showers fall in November, and still more in December, which sensibly raise the level of the rivers.

As the spring advances the showers become lighter and less frequent; but still they recur from time to time, until the summer sets in, about May.

From May to November rain is very rare indeed.

The sky continues for weeks or even months without a cloud; and the sun's rays are only tempered for a short time at morning and at evening by a gray mist or haze.