22 Mr. \V. C. Redfield on the Toiiiado iiohich visited 



we may expect to find great diversities in the several direc- 

 tions of the fallen trees and other prostrated bodies : and 

 further, as all the forces, in addition to their inward tendency, 

 have likewise a common tendency in the direction pursued by 

 the tornado, we may expect to find, also, full evidence of this 

 progressive force in the direction of the fallen bodies. 



These effects, I need hardly state, are distinctly observed 

 in the case before us ; and appear likewise from the observa- 

 tions of Prof. Bache. The results already noticed have been 

 observed also in the tracks of other tornadoes ; so that a 

 general inclination, both inward and onward, amid the various 

 and confused directions of the fallen bodies, is distinctly re- 

 cognized by all parties to this inquiry. 



3. It has been often noticed, that where two fallen trees 

 are found lying across each other, the uppermost or last fallen 

 points most nearly to the course pursued by the tornado. 



In view of the facts above stated, much pains have been 

 taken to establish, by induction, a central and non-whirling 

 course in the v/ind of the tornado; first inward and then 

 upward, like that resulting from a common fire in the open 

 air. I do not propose to notice the insuperable difficulties 

 which appear to attend this hypothesis. It is important to 

 state, however, that all the above-mentioned effects, when 

 theoretically considered, are, at least, equally consistent with 

 the involute whirling action of an advancing vortex. This 

 important consideration I have not seen recognized by the 

 advocates of the non-whirling theory ; and it seems proper, 

 therefore, to point out, as we proceed, other and more di- 

 stinguishing effects of the whirling action. 



^. It has been noticed, also, that the directions given to 

 broken limbs and other bodies, by the successive changes in 

 the direction of the wind as the tornado passed over, have 

 been found in opposite courses, on the two opposite margins 

 of the track. 



This fact, too, has been strongly urged as disproving a 

 rotary motion. But, unfortunately for the objection, this 

 effect accords fully with the rotary action of a progressive 

 mass of atmosphere ; as is well known to all who understand 

 the theory of rotary storms. 



In all such whirling masses the successive changes in the 

 direction of the wind, which result solely from their pro- 

 gressive motion, necessarily take place in opposite directions 

 or courses, on the two opposite sides of the advancing axis. 

 This indication fails, therefore, as a theoretic test : and I 

 now proceed to notice others, which are peculiar to a pro- 

 gressive whirling action. 



