"with reference to the Whirlwind Theory of Storms. 359 



the relative equality of motion in the parts generally main- 

 tained, I see not how the unimpeded movements of this 

 denser and neai-ly non-elastic fluid are to produce vortices 

 equal in number or magnitude to those which occur in the 

 inferior layers of an elastic aerial current, moving on or near 

 the surface of the earth, over obstructions and inequalities, 

 and with other disturbing conditions almost innumerable. Of 

 Dr. Hare's views of aqueous vortices it is unnecessary to speak; 

 but there are mariners, if I remember their statements aright, 

 who can give him an account of the frequency of ocean or 

 gulf-stream vortices, somewhat different from that which he 

 advances. Whenever a stream or current of water of moderate 

 depth moves over an unequal bottom, there is found no lack 

 of vortices, of various forms and dimensions, some of which 

 exhibit both upward and downward movements, often of some 

 considerable velocity. 



In the American Journal, Dr. Hare doubts if a whirlpool 

 ever takes place without a centripetal force resulting from a 

 vacuity. I see not how this doubt can militate against my 

 views of vortical action ; but 1 have myself seen many hun- 

 dreds of such whirlpools or vortices, and have occasionally 

 watched their developments with much interest. 



After commenting on certain arbitrary conditions of " op- 

 posing or unequal forces" in the atmosphere. Dr. Hare de- 

 sires to be informed how " unequal or opposing forces are 

 generated in the atmosphere ;" producing sometimes whirl- 

 winds of unmeasured violence (19-20). It may be readily 

 seen, that aerial currents of unequal temperature and velocity, 

 suiDerimposed one upon another, and all moving over a sur- 

 face of unequal character and with frequent elevations, and 

 subject also to the influence of adjacent currents, must often 

 move unequally and in unconformable directions; thus un- 

 avoidably running, to some extent, into vortices, eddies or 

 circuits, of various magnitudes and activity ; some of which 

 may occasionally become extended and spin on an upright 

 and moving axis, with that violent and continued action which 

 characterizes the tornado or water-spout. Indeed, it must be 

 obvious, that uniformly direct lines of motion belong not to 

 our atmospi)ere or system. But, as before observed, I have 

 here no special concern with the origin of these or other vor- 

 tices; the simple fact of their existence being all that is ne- 

 cessary for me to maintain. 



Dr. Ilare then proceeds to state, that in former papers on 

 the causes of tornadoes he has adduced facts and arguments 

 " tending to prove that the proximate cause of the plueno- 

 mena of a tornado is an ascending current of air, and the af- 



