In describing the climate and productions of Assyria, it will be necessary to divide it into regions, since the country is so large, and the physical geography so varied, that a single description would necessarily be both incomplete and untrue.  Eastern Assyria has a climate of its own, the result of its position at the foot of Zagros.  In Western Assyria we may distinguish three climates, that of the upper or mountainous country extending from Bir to Til and Jezireh, that of the middle region on either side of the Sinjar range, and that of the lower region immediately bordering on Babylonia.  The climatic differences depend in part on latitude; but probably in a greater degree on differences of elevation, distance or vicinity of mountains, and the like.

Eastern Assyria, from its vicinity to the high and snow-clad range of Zagros, has a climate at once cooler and moister than Assyria west of the Tigris.  The summer heats are tempered by breezes from the adjacent mountains, and, though trying to the constitution of an European, are far less oppressive than the torrid blasts which prevail on the other side of the river.  A good deal of rain falls in the winter, and even in the spring; while, after the rains are past, there is frequently an abundant dew, which supports vegetation and helps to give coolness to the air.  The winters are moderately severe.

In the most southern part of Assyria, from lat. 34 deg. to 35 deg. 30’, the climate scarcely differs from that of Babylonia, which has been already described.  The same burning summers, and the same chilly but not really cold winters, prevail in both districts; and the time and character of the rainy season is alike in each.  The summers are perhaps a little less hot, and the winters a little colder than in the more southern and alluvial region; but the difference is inconsiderable, and has never been accurately measured.

In the central part of Western Assyria, on either side of the Sinjar range, the climate is decidedly cooler than in the region adjoining Babylonia.  In summer, though the heat is great, especially from noon to sunset, yet the nights are rarely oppressive, and the mornings enjoyable.  The spring-time in this region is absolutely delicious; the autumn is pleasant; and the winter, though cold and accompanied by a good deal of rain and snow, is rarely prolonged and never intensely rigorous.  Storms of thunder and lightning are frequent, especially in spring, and they are often of extraordinary violence:  hail-stones fall of the size of pigeon’s eggs; the lightning is incessant; and the wind rages with fury.  The force of the tempest is, however, soon exhausted; in a few hours’ time it has passed away, and the sky is once more cloudless:  a delightful calm and freshness pervade the air, producing mingled sensations of pleasure and repose.