Narrative of Bahama Expedition. 25 



creates atmospheric disturbanc es which are a constant source 

 of anxiety, and often of peril, to the sailor. The vast area of 

 warm water beincj covered bv a thick stratum of warm air 

 constantly tending to rise and be replaced by the inrushing 

 cooler air from the edges, presents all the conditions favorable 

 to squalls of rain accompanied by wind, and frequent storms of 

 great severity, wdiich. however, are not usually of long duration. 



The edge of the Gulf Stream can always be distinguished, 

 especially the northwestern edge, bv the long bands of sar- 

 gasso weed that are stretched out along the •' rip." and mark 

 the exact edcje of the stream. In calm weather this great 

 oceanic river is as clearly detinecl as if it flowed over the land, 

 the deep blue of the stream showing distinctly in contrast with 

 the dull green of the Atlantic. In a dead calm the stream is 

 clearly discernible at a considerable distance, on account of the 

 difference in reflection on its surface from that of the surround- 

 ing water, the surface being alwavs more or less broken on 

 the Gulf Stream, even though perfectly smooth outside. 



The surface temperature rarely rises above 89" , the general 

 temperature of the stream being about 81" . On one occa- 

 sion a large steamer was stopped so that her bows were out- 

 side, while her stern was inside the edge of the Gulf Stream. 

 Temperatures taken in the water at each end showed a varia- 

 tion of over twent}' degrees within the length of the vessel. 



This great oceanic river profoundly affects the distribution 

 of life and warmth over both shores of the Atlantic. England, 

 although on about the same latitude as Labrador, is blessed 

 with a mild climate and abundant moisture, while Labrador is 

 almost uninhabitable, one of the bleakest and most desolate 

 spots on earth. The Gulf Stream is the main, if not the only, 

 cause of this striking difference in climate between countries 

 approximatelv in the same latitude. 



Corals of the reef building species grow luxuriantly around 

 the Bermuda Islands, which lie about six hundred miles east of 

 Charleston, South Carolina, this being the northernmost spot 

 on the globe where these species grow. The cold winds and 

 water from the north are here intercepted by the warm cur- 



