OF WINDS. 299 



I 



blow together, but the strongest either quite overthrows or 

 turns into its current the weakest. 



15. Winds are engendered every where, from the very 

 superficies of the earth, up into the middle region of the 

 air, the more frequent below, but the stronger above. 



16. The countries which have retaining or trade winds, 

 if they be warm, have them warmer that according to the 

 measure of their climate ; if they be cold, they have them 

 colder. 



A Human Map, or Optatives, with such things as are 

 next to them concerning Winds. 



Optatives. 



1. To frame and dispose sails of ships in such a manner, 

 ! that with less wind they might go a greater journey ; a thing 



very useful to shorten journeys by sea and save charges. 



Next. The next invention precisely in practice 1 have 

 not as yet found; yet concerning that, look upon our 

 greater observations upon the six and twentieth article. 



2. Optative. That we could make windmills, and their 

 sails in such manner that they may grind more with less 

 wind. A thing very useful for gain. 



Next. Look concerning this upon our experiments in the 

 answer to the seven and twentieth article, where the thing 

 seems to be, as it were, done. 



Optative. To foreknow when winds will rise and allay. 

 A thing useful for navigation and for husbandry, especially 

 for the choosing of times for sea-fights. 



Next. To this belong many of those things which are 

 observed in the inquisition, and especially in the answer to 

 the two and thirtieth article. But a more careful observa- 

 | tion hereafter (if any shall apply their mind to it) will give 

 far more exact prognostics, the cause of the winds being 

 already laid open. 



4. Optative. To give judgment, and make prognostics 

 by winds, of other things, as first, whether they be conti 

 nents or islands in the sea in any place, or rather a free 

 open sea ; a thing very useful for new and unknown voyages. 



Next. The next is the observation concerning constant 

 and trade winds; that which Columbus seemed to make 

 use of. 



5. Optative. Likewise of the plenty or scarcity of corn 

 every year. A thing useful for gain, and buying before 

 hand, and forestalling, as it is reported of Thales, concern 

 ing monopoly of olives. 



