44 On the prevailing Storms of the Atlantic Coast. 
east wind, from even the shores of Europe, and the passage of some 
returning ships was performed in fifteen or sixteen days, and in some 
instances, without taking in a top-gallant-sail.* After a little chilli- 
ness on the first day or two in which it prevailed, this wind became 
remarkably bland and agreeable in its effects, in a greater degree, 
perhaps, than any other winds which we experience at that season. 
North-easterly storms, of an extensive formation, and with a mode- 
rate gyration, are also supposed to blow, occasionally, with a clear 
sky, towards their marginal portions, for a considerable time, and 
over a large extent of country ; constituting what are somtimes call- 
ed dry north easters, and which, in some places, disappear with- 
out producing symptoms of rain. 
The gyral axis of a storm in most cases, is probably inclined in 
the direction of its progress, for, being retarded by the increased re- 
sistance of the surface, the more elevated parts of the storm must: 
necessarily be inclined forward and overrun to a very considerable 
distance the more quiet atmosphere, which lies near the surface. 
This will account for the first hazy appearance of the storm which 
is exhibted in the south west, usually on the evening previous to its 
setting-in, and often, some hours previous to any change of wind at 
the surface.t This overlaying of the higher portion of the storm 
will account for another premonitory indication which we shall yet 
have occasion to notice, and thus, also, vessels at sea sometimes en- 
counter the sudden violence of these winds upon their more lofty 
sails and spars, while all is quiet upon deck. Thus also a balloon 
sent up ina moderate breeze, has, on ascending‘a considerable height, 
been carried off at the rate of seventy miles an hour. ‘The two lat- 
eral margins of the advancing storm will also overlay the prevailing 
* On this occasion, London papers were read in New York on the sixteenth day 
after their publication. 
t Dr. Mitchill has recorded as the result of the observation of laboring people in 
New York, that when the haze or cirrous which, appearing at sunset, indicates the 
approach of a storm, is seen over Staten Island at S. W. or more southerly, the storm 
of the succeeding day will blow from the north-east ; but if it appears over the Jer- 
sey shore of the Hudson from W. 8S. W. to N. W. then the storm is expected to blow 
at south-east. These prognostics accord very closely with the views maintained in 
this article—for as in a S. E. sterm, its most advanced and central portion must be 
over the land, its first appearance will necessarily be exhibited in the western qual- 
ter of the ci aleay north-east storm, the main body of which passes over the 
oce ers the land with only its north-western limb or margin, will ereneiek 
ingly exbibit i sth premonitory appearances in a more southerly direction. 
} 
