PROCEEDINGS FOR 1895 XIX 
the amount of the difference to be expected under such conditions above 
or below the normal temperature for the season. But, at best, the tem- 
perature could only be taken to indicate the predominant direction of the 
current during the few days previous, and could not be relied upon to 
show its actual direction at the time. 
“The temperature of the water has a more important relation to 
the presence of ice in the strait. When the predominant direction of the 
current is inward from the east for a few successive tides, it will un- 
doubtedly carry icebergs into the strait if there are any at its outer end 
at the time. The current from the east is thus not only cold in itself, 
but also brings in ice with it, which further chills the water in the 
strait. The cold water, the current from the east and the presence of 
icebergs within the strait are thus concomitants of each other. 
“Tt is not to be inferred, however, that warm water in the strait is 
an indication that ice will not be met with, because the water in the 
strait itself may be relatively warm, notwithstanding that icebergs are 
numerous at its mouth around Belle Isle, and possibly as far in as the 
vicinity of Cape Norman. It 1s possible for this ice to be moving south- 
ward with the general Arctic current on both sides of Belle Isle, past the 
mouth of the strait, without affecting either the direction of the current 
or the temperature of the strait to any great distance inwards. 
* Summary. 
“Tn the following summary the general characteristics of the current 
in the Strait of Belle Isle are given as correctly as they can be deduced 
from its behaviour during the time the observations were made. The 
velocities given were measured at the standard depth of 18 feet : 
“1. The current is fundamentally tidal in its nature, and, under nor- 
mal conditions, it runs east and west with velocities which are nearly 
equal. It attains at times a velocity of two knots per hour in each 
direction. 
“2, The conditions are normal in moderate weather and during the 
prevalence of moderate westerly winds. 
“3. During heavy winds, especially when easterly or westerly in 
direction, the current, which runs with the wind, becomes stronger than 
the current against it, and eventually the current may come to be con- 
tinuous in the same direction as the wind. 
“4. The greatest velocities of the current which were observed dur- 
ing heavy winds (in the months of July and September) were as follows : 
from the east 3:15 knots, and from the west 2°50 knots per hour. 
“5. The presence of ice in the strait and the temperature of the 
water have also a relation to the predominant direction of the current, 
but they do not afford a reliable indication of its actual direction at the 
time. 
