THE GULF STREAM. 



203 



its position so as either to coincide with the line of junction of the poles, 

 or to be at right angles with it. Iron and nine other metals assume tlie 

 position of coincidence, or become magnetic by induction and arrange 

 their ends opposite to the poles of the magnet. Among these Iron oc- 

 cupies the pre-eminence. All other substances which have been tried, 

 are found to arrange themselves at right angles to the line of junction^ 

 and not being susceptible of magnetic excitement themselves but permit- 

 ting its influence to be exerted through them, have been denominated by 

 Faraday diamagnetics. Gaseous and liquid bodies belong to this class. 



Prof. Faraday thinks it not impossible that the solar light, in accord- 

 ance with the facts above stated, (Art. 4,) may originate the earth's mag- 

 netism, and the air and water constitute the diamagnetic media in which 

 this force is generated. 



From the facts and circumstances which have been tlirown together 

 in this paper, we make the inference that one imponderable, all-pervading 

 agent is the cause of all the phenomena of light, heat, electricity and 

 magnetism; each being only a modified efiect of its action. 



THE GULF STREAM. 



We were recently present when this subject, which has so often per- 

 plexed the marine*, was introduced, and, discovering the incorrect views 

 entertained by many respecting its origin, we propose to furnish a brief 

 description of the phenomenon, witli some explanation of its cause, 

 not, however, designing to present any new theory, or supposing that we 

 can instruct your more learned readers. Our object is simply to give a 

 condensed account of the Gulf stream for the benefit of those who make 

 no scientific pretensions. 



What is the Gulf stream f We describe it as a body' of water con- 

 stantly issuing from the Gulf of Mexico, running in a north-easterly di- 

 rection nearly parallel to the Atlantic coast on tlie outer edge of sound- 

 ings, its velocity being so great that it retains the temperature of the tropi- 

 cal water, until it passes the banks of Newfoundland. By examining with 

 care the temperature of the ocean water, you can tell precisely the time 

 when you enter the Gulf stream, when you leave it, and when you ar- 

 rive on deep water soundings. It passes at the distance of seventy-si.x: 

 miles from the coast of the Southern states of North America. This 

 distance increases as you proceed in a northward direction. Its velocity 

 diminishes towards the North, at the same time that its breadth in- 

 creases. Its course is "rcativ inlluenccd bv the (Hrection of the wind- 



