618 MR MILNE ON A REMARKABLE OSCILLATION OF THE SEA. 



stirred up the mud in an extraordinary way. This continued for a quarter of an 

 hour. The air was serene, and the wind moderate. l 



In the Meteorological Register kept at Carlisle (the only one for that date to 

 which I have obtained access), there is the following entry : " 6th September 

 1767. Thunder, with showers." 



(8.) On the 20th February 1766, an unusual tide ebbed and flowed in the 

 Thames ; and on the same day, a most violent storm occurred in Bedfordshire. 2 



(9.) On the 9th August 1770, it is mentioned, that " during a violent thunder- 

 storm at Brighthelmstone, the sea flowed at one motion 50 feet. The oldest man 

 living (it is added) never remembered the like." 3 



The following is an extract from the Meteorological Register kept by Dr 

 BORLASE near Penzance : " On 8th August 1770, close and calm in the morning. 

 About 5 A.M., thunder, with much lightning; about 6 A.M., rained violently; 

 at 9 A.M., cleared off, and a fine day. On 9th August, at 2 A.M., thunder and 

 lightning, but not so violent as on preceding day ; wind easterly." * 



(10.) On the 17th July 1793, between 7 and 8 A.M., the tide flowed and 

 ebbed in an extraordinary way at Plymouth. Three times, in less than an hour, 

 it rose and fell about 2 feet perpendicular. 5 



(11.) On the 10th August 1802, the sea at Teignmouth rose and fell nearly 

 2 feet several times in ten minutes." 



(12.) On 31st May 1811, " an alarming and most uncommon flux and reflux of 

 the sea took place" at Plymouth, which is described by Mr LUKE HOWARD. 7 " It 

 commenced about 3 A.M., and did not terminate till 10. The sea fell instantane- 

 ously about 4 feet, and immediately rose about 8 feet. Universal consternation 

 pervaded the whole port. The vessels in Catwater were thrown about in the 

 greatest confusion ; many dragged their anchors, some drifted, and several lost 

 their bowsprits and yards. About 6 h 45' the sea rose to the height of 11 feet, and 

 again receded. At 9 h 30' the tide (half flood) suddenly stopped, and in a moment 

 ebbed 6^ inches; at 10 it ebbed again, in the same most extraordinary manner, 

 and then flowed as usual to high water." 



" Two gales from SSW. and E. preceded this astonishing phenomenon ; but 

 at the time of its occurrence, the wind was light at SSW." 



On consulting Mr HOWARD'S register of the weather for that day, at Plaistow, 

 near London, I observe it stated, that the wind was SE., and that the barometer 

 had sunk on that day nearly two-tenths, being 29.48, which was much lower 



1 DODDSLEY'S Annual Kegister, vol. x. p. 126 ; Gentleman's Magazine ; London Philosophical 

 Transactions for 1768. 



2 DODDSLEY'S Annual Register, vol. ix. p. 67. 3 Ibid, vol. xiii. p. 99. 



4 London Philosophical Transactions for 1771. 



5 DODDSLEY, vol. xxxv. p. 32, and Gentleman's Magazine. 6 Gentleman's Magazine. 

 7 Climate of London, vol. i. Table 57. 



