Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057352).pdf/76

 68 PAR arily sweet, a change is sometimes perceptible, the water for a season becoming brackish, but subsequently resuming its normal condition. This may possibly be attributable to subsoil percolation, after the absorption of large quantities of surface moisture ; but the solution of the problem, if problem there be, is worthy the attention of the analyst. Water supply.-Abundance of water, both for irrigation and domestic purposes, exists as a rule throughout the district. The exceptions are ordinarily in localities bordering on the banks of rivers and nálas, where, owing to the sandy nature of the subsoil, mud wells are found to be im- practicable, and the building of masonry wells is attended with consider- ably greater expense than elsewhere. There are no less than 9,947 masonry wells in working order at the present time, of which 3,146 have been con- structed since the annexation of the province. This represents an aver- age of between three and four wells to each village in the district. Mud wells are innumerable, and are sunk annually as required, the cost being trifling. The average depth at which water trickles is 25 feet. The range of distance varies from 11 to 80 feet. Climate, temperature.—The climate of the Partabgarh district is com- paratively temperate, and is decidedly salubrious. The maximum heat in the hottest months is less, I believe, than that experienced in the adjacent district of Allahabad to the south of the Ganges; while the climate of the cold season, which ordinarily extends from the 15th October to the 15th March, can hardly be said to be surpassed by any climate in Europe. The readings of the thermometer in 1869 shows a mean range of 29-7 degrees, and for the following year, 1870, a mean range of 30:1 degrees. Taking both years together, the maximum range was 43 degrees in April, 1870, and the minimum range 17 degrees in August, 1870, the same year exhibiting both extremes. Rainfall.— The average for 1864-1868 inclusive was 36 inches; the average of the twelve years ending with October 1st, 1875, has been 373 inches; three years have shown drought, 1864, 1868, and 1873; three have shown excessive rainfall; only two have had the moderate rainfall, 35 to 46 inches, which when properly distributed generally results in a bumper crop. Average full of rain in Partabgarh district. Years. Inches. 104 Poe 2864 1865 1886 1867 1868 1869 100% 1870 101) 1871 1872 1873 1874 1876 26 0* 30'0 350 52 26.0 44-1 568 59.0 . 291 26 0 33 2 36.0 130 Average for 12 years 37 3
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