Monsoon

in India, a trade wind of great influence on the climate. From May to September a steady air current sets in from the southwest. It is laden with moisture from the Indian Ocean. The western slope of Hindustan and the valleys of the great rivers receive the greatest rainfall at this period. One point in lower Burmah received 805 inches in a recent year. A second monsoon from the northeast prevails from November to April. The monsoon region extends, with different dates, however, also to the Pacific as far as Japan. Before the application of steam to navigation the sailing master studied routes with reference to the direction and season of the monsoon. Steam has rendered him in a measure independent.