130 Additional Objections to Redfield’s Theory of Storms. 
higher, or if elastic, denser at an intermediate point than the 
general level. In the case of an elastic fluid like the air, con- 
densation will be substituted for accumulation, and will amount 
to the same thing in effect. It would follow, that as the whirl 
uld advance, the barometer would rise until the front limb of 
the zone of greatest condensation should arrive: subsequently it 
would fall till the central space should arrive, and then another 
rise and subsequent fall would ensue during the approach and 
departure of the rear limb of the zone of greatest condensation. 
61. One fact is mentioned among the contradictory evidence 
above quoted, which seems to be supported by universal experi- 
ence. ‘The barometrical column does fall at the commencement 
of a storm, and of course this fact does not accord with the idea 
that storms are whirlwinds produced by mechanical forces remote 
from the axis and attended necessarily by a centrifugal action 
which would Pemmalnte the air towards the exterior. 
62. ‘another characteristic, the “reliable facts wat 
observations: of our theorist,’ are no less irreconcilable than in the 
case last considered. - I allude to the changes in the direction of 
the wind which ensue from the commencement to the end of a 
hurricane, and especially on the outer limbs on anew sd me 
line of progression. 
63. Thus speaking of the progress veil a storm from oct tins 
to northeast along the coast of the United States, he alleges that 
“along the central portions of the track the first force of the wind 
is from a point near southeast, but after blowing for a certain pe- 
riod it changes SUDDENLY, and USUALLY, AFTER A SHORT INTER- 
auton, to a potnt nearly or directly opposite to that from which 
previously been blowing ; from which opposite quarter tt 
blows with equal violence till the storm has passed over or aba- 
ted.” Again, “ It is demonstrably evident, that at any point over 
which the centre of a whirlwind may pass, the wind must sup- 
DENLY change to a direction almost eractly opposite to that which 
has been felt during the preceding part of its progress.” (‘This 
Journal; Vol. xx, p. 22.) “It-sometimes happens when the cen- 
tral portion of an extensive storm passes over or near the point 
of observation that the comparative calm or lull which prevails 
about the apparent centre of rotation, is preceded by a gradual 
rather than a sudden aaieniestite of the wind. “Every experi- 
————— shrink with instinctive apprehension | 
