South Australia.—­The longest stretch of continuous heat noted was in January and February 1857.  On January 28th, 29th, and 30th, the temperature exceeded 100 degrees, and during the whole of February it was over 90 degrees on 25 days, and above 100 degrees on 12 days, the mean being 107 degrees.  In January 1858 there were 10 consecutive days over 90 degrees, of which eight consecutive days were over 100 degrees.  In January 1860 there were in the beginning of the month seven consecutive days, above 100 degrees (maximum 107.5 degrees).  In the middle of the same month, seven days were over 90 degrees, of which five exceeded 100 degrees, two days reaching 113.7 degrees.  These are, however, exceptions to our usual experience.  Although there are several other instances of great heat, yet the foregoing will suffice to show what we occasionally suffer without much harm being done.

Queensland.—­During the period February 17th to February 23rd, 1891, the shade temperature at Townsville ranged between 81 degrees and 62 degrees, but at Cairns a range between 82 degrees and 70 degrees is of frequent occurrence, within at least fortnightly periods.

Any information with regard to humidity of the atmosphere also, will be of great value.  All physicians are of opinion that A high temperature, combined with moisture, is very irritating to the lungs of those affected with pulmonary disease.

Before setting forth the different answers in response to this, it will be desirable to refer briefly to the term “humidity.”  The humidity of the atmosphere is defined as the degree of its approach to saturation.  Air completely saturated is represented by 100, and that absolutely free of vapour by 0.  As a matter of fact, however, the latter never occurs; even in the driest regions of Arabia a humidity of 10 per cent. is almost unknown.  For its estimation the Wet and Dry Bulb thermometers are employed.  These consist of two ordinary thermometers.  One has its bulb exposed so as to register the temperature of the air.  The bulb of the other is covered with muslin; this latter material being kept wet through its connection with a cotton wick dipping into a vessel of water.  The water ascends from this vessel by capillary attraction, spreads over the muslin, and evaporates quickly or slowly, according to the dryness or moistness of the atmosphere.  Thus when the air is driest the difference between the two thermometers will be greatest, and, on the contrary, when it is completely saturated with moisture the two readings will be almost identical.