338 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



pendent to a great extent upon the influences of these ocean 

 currents. 



We wish to know the width of the eddy current, the tem- 

 perature of its water, its origin and extent. We wish to 

 know the width of the gigantic southward movement of 

 waters, its velocity and its temperature; whether there is a 

 distinct cold stream and a distinct warm stream, and their 

 relation to each other, etc., etc. 



To decide the direction and velocity of an ocean current, 

 various instruments have been invented, and are still in use, 

 which show as much ingenuity in their construction as they 

 lack in positive demonstration. This disappointment is 

 clearly illustrated by the findings on Maury's charts, and 

 the map affixed to the ''Deep-Sea Soundings in the North 

 Pacific Ocean obtained on the U. S. Steamer Tascarora, 

 Commander G. E. Belknap." 



We find on Chart I"^ of this essay, that there is a general 

 southerly direction of the surface currents, even next to the 

 coast north of San Francisco. The under-surface currents 

 show no regularity whatever in theii direction, and looking 

 at this chart one is led to believe that the direction of the 

 arrows is given for the purpose of proving the existence of 

 a whirlpool in the ocean near the coast of California. See 

 Chart I. 



Undoubtedly many records as to the direction of ocean 

 currents have been made here by vessels, only to explain 

 apparent errors in their nautical observations as to the 

 course of the ship. 



The only fact which emanates from these observa- 

 tions is, that a surface current of a southerly direction 

 drives the waters down the coast, and that by strong winds 

 from the south, during the winter storms, its direction may 

 be temporarily reversed. 



♦Compiled from Maury's and Belknap's charts. 



