MR MILNE ON A REMARKABLE OSCILLATION OF THE SEA. 



instance, and about 18 inches above its former level. The oscillation was 

 observed for two or three hours. 



At North Berwick, about 10 miles west of Dunbar, the flux and reflux was 

 observed between one and two o'clock P.M. ; and it was noticed twice after- 

 wards in the course of the day, at short intervals of about ten minutes. 

 At Arbroath, the flux and reflux were first observed about 5 P.M. 



During the making of the tide (it being high water on the 5th July at 

 8 h 4' P.M.), the attention of the harbour master and others was drawn to the 

 unusual motion of the sea, which made the vessels shift from their usual 

 berths, and suggested the propriety of fastening them by additional moorings. 

 This was found necessary, from the manner in which they were driven about 

 by the currents. 



When the phenomenon was first observed, the sea flowed in and rose from 

 18 to 24 inches vertically, and poured a strong current into the harbour. 

 The water stood at the level thus attained, for more than five minutes, and 

 then ran violently out of the harbour during the succeeding ten minutes, till 

 it reached a level, nearly 2 feet lower than that previously reached. There 

 it remained for some time, and then began to rise again as before. Each rise 

 was nearly 1 foot higher, and each fall a foot lower, than the medium level of 

 the tide at the time. 



This flux and reflux was at its greatest height about 8 P.M., the time of 

 high water. The sea was then calm, the wind being from the north or NW. 

 The height of the tide was a little greater than ordinary, but not exceeding 

 a foot above its usual level. 



The oscillation continued the whole of that tide, and also during the next 

 day ; but the rise and fall of the water decreased, being only from 15 to 18 

 inches. It gradually decreased during that day, and on the 7th July. On 

 the 8th July it became imperceptible. 



Allowing 10 minutes for each rise and each fall, and 5 minutes succeeding 

 each rise and fall, it may be estimated, that the fluxes attained their greatest 

 height at intervals of 30 minutes. 



These are the only accounts received by me, which can be depended on for 

 the occurrence of the phenomenon, and its attendant circumstances, on the 5th 

 July. It was noticed also at Eyemouth, but at what hour is uncertain. 



On the 6th July, besides Arbroath, which has just been mentioned, the oscil- 

 lation was perceived at the following places : 



At St Andrews, in the east coast of Fife, the oscillation was perceived in the 

 morning. The water (according to the account given by a pilot there) rushed 

 into the harbour as if it had been poured out from a number of sluices, and 

 immediately retreated with the same violence this continuing for a consi- 

 derable time before and after full tide, which took place at 9 h 8' A.M. The 



