The range of temperature, between the warmest and coldest months at Pau is 32°; this at London, and likewise at Rome is 26°; at Penzance it is only 18°, and at Maderia 14°. The daily range of temperature at Pau is 7-1/2°, at Penzance it is 6-1/2°, at Nice 8-1/2°, at Rome 11°.»
At Tours the prevailing winds are south westerly. Between however the vernal equinox (the 21st of march and the latter part of april), easterly winds are rather frequent, but the city is pretty effectually protected from the effects of these and the north winds by the high range of country which stretches out from nearly east to west along the northern banks of the Loire. The long succession of handsome villas pleasantly situated opposite Tours at the base of these high grounds, occasionally climbing their slopes, and which are chiefly occupied by English families, being entirely protected from them.
The autumn which is peculiarly mild and may be said to be here exceedingly charming,--especially where the red tinted leaves of the vine impart a glowing richness to the vineyard clad landscape,--advances with an agreeable and smiling aspect into the more dreary month of december, when cold weather may, generally speaking, be said to have commenced; though the middle of most days is still cheered by a warm and genial sunshine. A good deal of heavy rain usually falls about the autumnal equinox, but is quickly absorbed by the porous soil and prevailing arenaceous formations of the neighbourhood, consequently, the atmosphere is particularly free from humidity.
A peculiar absence from cold winds may be strictly said to prevail the greater portion of the year, but perhaps the characteristic qualities of the climate are the equability of its seasons, and the comparative mildness of its spring. Constituting in a high degree, that healthful atmosphere so indispensable to the preservation and improvement of our native energies both physical and mental.
In all chronic pulmonary affections, the quality of the air which is inspired into the lungs is well known to be a point of the most vital consequence, and therefore invalids affected by inflammatory affections of that organ experience much benefit by repairing to a climate like this, more particularly during the vernal exacerbations of the disease. Indeed experience has proved the climate of Tours to be peculiarly efficacious in bronchial affections, being very beneficial in almost all cases of irritation of the air passages, whether or not accompanied by increased secretion.