186 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



The winds during the two seasons afforded little opportunity of in- 

 vestigating the question of disturbance. The only severe storm occurred 

 on September loth, 1904, when the maximum wind velocity was 72 miles 

 an hour. The total mileage of wind from S. W. and S. was 663 miles 

 during 16 hours. As soon as the storm moderated, an anchorage was 

 made at a station just within the mouth of the bay. On the day after 

 the storm, the ebb setting out of the bay was 16 per cent stronger than 

 the flood, on the surface. This indicated a reflow of the water after the 

 v/ind fell, to make up for the inward drift caused by the heavy south- 

 west wind; as the under-current at 30 fathoms remained equal in the 

 two directions as usual. 



It is stated by fishermen with reference to the vicinity of Yarmouth, 

 that the winds do not have any appreciable effect on the strength of the 

 ebb; but the flood is strengthened by a south or south-east wind, and 

 checked by a north-west wind, which is contrary to its direction. 



It appears unlikely that the wind is ever able to reverse these strong 

 tidal streams ; and it is especially to be noted that any disturbance which 

 occurs, will in all probability be quickly overcome, because of the depth 

 of the current, which maintains its strength to a depth of 30 fathoms. 

 The normal conditions will thus be quickly restored. 



MODIFICATIOX OF THE CURRENT BEFORE THE WIND BEGINS. 



So much evidence for this has been obtained, and in such different 

 regions, that the matter deserves special mention. The current is found 

 to run more strongly before a heavy wind comes on, and this change is 

 so noticeable, that fishermen when anchored in their boats, take it as an 

 indication of the approach -^f heavy weather. This is found to occur on 

 the south and west coasts of Newfoundland, as well as off the east coast 

 as already noted; and also in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the north 

 shore and in the bays and straits on its south-west side. There is also 

 some evidence of its occurrence in the Bay of Fundy. 



According to this wide-spread testimony, a change in the behaviour 

 of the current is noticeable for about twelve hours before a storm comes 

 on. In most localities, the current sets more strongly towards the direc- 

 tion from which the wind is about to come ; although there are other 

 localities where the reverse of this behaviour may occur. Where the 

 currents are weak and variable, the set may be continuous for some 12 

 or 18 hours before the wind begins. Where the currents are tidal with 

 definite ebb and flood directions, the flow towards the coming wind will 

 be much stronger than usual, and also longer than the ordinary tidal 

 period; and in the opposite direction it will be checked or retarded. 

 These effects are much more marked before north-east or south-east gales 



