Adapted From: Malta - Described
by FREDERICK W. RYAN - Published in London by Adam & Charles Black in
1910 - Painted
by V. BORON - 20 Full-page illustrations in colour
The climate of Malta is equable and very healthy in winter. In August the
heat at the sea-level approaches that experienced in the tropics. The nights,
however, are pleasant and cool, except during the prevalence of the scirocco
wind. The mean maximum temperature during the three coldest months (December,
January, and February) is 58'8 F /14.4' C., and the mean minimum is 50'6 F /
10.3' C. ; but during the four hottest months (June, July, August, and September)
the mean maximum is 81'6 F. / 27.5' C, and the mean minimum 70'6 F. / 21.4' C.
The mean temperature is 64'6 F. / 18.11' C. , and the mean annual rainfall is
20in / 50.8cm. There is no river or rivulet in the island, the water drainage
becoming absorbed in the porous sandstone beds, and finding its way through underground
channels and aqueducts. An old guide-book, written by Thomas MacGill, and dedicated
to Queen Adelaide, contains the following quaint remark upon Casal Krendi and
the neighbourhood: 'The fine air on all this portion of the island is truly exhilarating,
and would put even a cynic in jovial humour.'
