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44 32⋅25 and fell again suddenly, and was followed by a strong north-east gale on Wednesday, which lasted 24 hours, with dark cloudy weather. On Thursday we had a hot wind from the N.N.W., and rain during the latter part. Thermometer at noon stood at 52°, barometer at 29⋅22. Since Thursday the wind has been north-west by north, fresh breeze, and almost constant rain; but the weather has kept very mild—in fact it is much more like summer than winter; and to-day, with its alternate sunshine and showers, has put me very much in mind of an April day at home, although the present month corresponds to January in the northern hemisphere. I had expected to find the winter very severe, but thus far I am agreeably mistaken. I hope I may be mistaken on the whole. The birds continue their merry song, and the blow-flies are quite troublesome again. The mosquitoes, or, more strictly speaking, sand-flies, have never ceased to be troublesome. To-day we heard the dogs barking, but they were at the other side of the bay. Barometer rising, 29; 8, thermometer 48°.

Sunday, July 17, 1864.—During the past week the weather has been very variable, but without any hard gales. About three weeks ago we commenced to look for