On the Physical Geology of the United States, Sc. 9 
westward in the southwardly flow in the northern hemisphere, is 
due to the same cause, viz. inertia, and the difference of linear 
velocity of points on the earth’s surface, as the particles of matter 
of the currents reach successively different latitudes. fy 
_ 'This may be illustrated by considering that a particle of matter 
at the equator moves with a linear velocity of about twenty five 
thousand miles in twenty four hours ; and pps this _— 
(5.) oe from the southward sets into the Indian Ocean near the coast of 
New Holla 
Very numerous currents depending on prevailing or periodical winds, Tike the 
monsoons, exercise much influence in particular parts of the oceans upon the ‘our 
rents mentione 
The Sallomricig references may aid those who mil to trace the state of present 
knowledge on the currents of the ocean and atmosphere. 
De La Beche's Geological Manual, Alasitew® edition, pp. 90—101. Purdy’s 
Atlantic Memoir. Kotzebue’s Voyages. Lyell’s Piividiptes of Geology, Vol. 1. 
Larti i Frankli i 
Transactions, Vol. 11, p. 314. Blagden on heat of Gulf Stream, Phil. Trans. 
Royal Society, 1781, p. 334. Rennel on heat of of Gulf Stream, ‘Phil. Trans. Royal 
Society, 1793, Vol. txxxu1. Wollaston on heat of Gulf Stream, Phil. Trans. 
Royal Society, 1824. Poronall’s Hydraulic and Nautical Observations, quarto, 
London, 1787.. Humboldt’s Political Essay on New Spain, Vol. 1, p. 53. Hum- 
boldt’s Voyage to the Tropics, Vol. 11. Young's Nat. Phil. Espy on Storms. 
Daniel’s Meteorological Essays. Redfield, American Journal of origi Vols, 
xxv and xty. Maury, (Lt.) American Sourtvel of Science, Vol. xnvi1; Southern 
Literary Messenger, and Army and Navy Chronicle, Elinhineh Erelaedlp 
Am, edition, Vol. x, PP- 158—159, Ed. Encyc., “* Navigation,” Vol. 
209—213. Ed. Encyc., “ Phys. Geography,” Vol. xv, p. 579. Ed. Biche “ Hy. 
pe uses of polar regions,” Vol. xvt, 
he modes of observation by which the pen and flow of currents have been de- 
termined, are deflective, and liable to error; it is desirable therefore, that accurate 
zing them, grouping them, and finally generalizing from them. Individual effort 
cannot accomplish this. ‘The aid, the influence, and the power of governments 
aré necessary to cause the scattered rays of light to be brought to a focus. If an 
office be established under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, where me- 
teorological registers accurately kept on board all our national ships; records of 
rrents observed on the samme ships; the temperature of the 
waters of the ocean at the surface and at considerable depths, (also made daily 
when practicable,) and similar records from our merchant marine could be re- 
corded, and occasionally SMe NFR at similar offices under the English, French, 
and other maritime governments, F ts may be obtained in a few years of great 
importanee in ie ion, and aid in pen Negi the laws that wratiae 
the currents of the e atmosphere and of the oce 
Vol. xxix, No. 1.—April-June, 1845. 2 
