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 the storm subsided although rain still continued to fall. In Calama (altitude 7400 feet, latitude 23° S.) the streets and houses were covered with a thick layer of snow. In Iquique the phenomenon began with a light gariia (mist) at 10 P. M. followed by a northeast wind that attained hurricane velocity before it subsided at 2 A. M. with a sudden drop of tempera- ture. In Tacna on the night of the 23rd a hot wind from the cordillera accompanied with rain and hail blew (with an inter- ruption at 2 A. M.) until daybreak and was repeated on the following day. Telegraphic communication between Tacna and Arica was interrupted, and many trees were blown down in the plantations and gardens. A few days previously weather of a similar description had been encountered on the Peruvian coast. The disturbance was felt at Copiapé, Serena, and Coquimbo, so that altogether it extended over 20° of latitude, being propagated from north to south.

The same year heavy snows were reported even from the driest zone of the cordillera. In the mountains above San Pedro de Atacama snow was 10 feet deep, and in San Pedro itself (S000 feet) snow fell from July 22 to July 26 and again from July 30 to August 1, the snow being 8-10 inches deep, a phenomenon never before seen in the town nor known in tradi- tion. People came from afar to see the wonderful spectacle; excursions were run from Antofagasta. Naturally the storm was accompanied by disaster to travelers and herdsmen of the cordillera. ‘wo hundred head of cattle were lost, ‘and several persons including a number of chinchilla hunters perished. Previous heavy precipitation had occurred in January and February of 1885, i. e. in the year succeeding notable floods in the Pampa del Tamarugal. In those months were 40 days of rain; rain falling every day from I to 7 P. M.

Going southward through the Desert of Atacama another climatic province is entered about the latitude of Copiapé.