On the prevatling Storms of the Atlantic Coast. 51 
tions, made at various points on both sides of the Atlantic.* The 
same able geographer has shown also in coincidence with the revo- 
lution, a general westerly wind or current in the temperate and high- 
er latitudes, connecting the basins of the Pacific and Atlantic, and 
sweeping entirely across the continents of America, Europe, and part 
of Asia, and which we find is sustained by numerous authorities. 
These extensive revolutions, in the great aerial ocean which envel- 
opes our earth, seem to be a benevolent provision of the great author 
of nature, tending to equalize the climate and temperature of our globe 
which would otherwise be attended with far greater inequalities. 
ht appears, also, if the severe storms of the Northern Atlantic pur- 
sue a general and somewhat uniform course, that, on receiving intel- 
ligence of the occurrence of such a storm, in a particular locality, a 
probable opinion may be formed of the hazard or exposuré of any 
absent vessel, whose position on the ocean may be known with any 
good degree of certainty. This shows the importance of particular 
marine reports, specifying the latitude and longitude, date, time of 
commencement, direction, duration, and subsequent changes of such 
storms as may exhibit, either extraordinary violence, or indications 
of such violence in their immediate vicinity. 
In the early stages, or indications of storms upon our coast, it would 
seem, also, that a pretty correct estimate may be formed of the bear- 
ing, and probable course of the heart of a storm, and of the course 
which, if steered, will have the best tendency to lessen its vio- 
lence, or duration; and that those navigators who find in any of the 
more moderate storms, an adverse wind, may, by pursuing a course 
transverse to that of the storm, often modify its direction in a man- 
her favorable to their wishes. 
hese remarks are frankly submitted to the consideration of geii- 
tlemen of science and observation, who may have means and oppor- 
tunity for a more accurate and extensive examination of the sub- | 
ject. Any person who may be able to furnish additional facts rela- 
ting to any of the storms which have been noticed in this article, is 
oe ote requested to leave a memorandum of the same in the care 
of Messrs. E. & G. W. Blunt, Hydrographers, in the city of N. York. 
* View of the United States. By William Darby. Philadelphia, 1823. H. S. 
anher. 18mo. pp. 654.—If in addition to the usual tabular records of meteorology, 
4 separate column should be appropriated for noting the course of the clouds, and 
Particularly of those which form the upper stratum, we should obtain evidence, far 
ak, usive of the prevailing direction of the great atmospheric currents than 
can be derived from the direction of the winds at he earth’s surface. 
