THE EARTH. SOI 



until we have got above the region of storms, 

 where all is usually calm and serene. Sometimes, 

 however, the storms rise even to the tops of the 

 highest mountains ; as we learn from those who 

 have been on the Andes, and as we are convinced 

 by the deep snows that crown even the highest. 



Winds blowing from the sea are generally 

 moister, and more attended with rains, than those 

 which blow over extensive tracts of land ; for the 

 sea gives off more vapours to the air, and these 

 are rolled forward upon land, by the winds blow- 

 ing from thence.* For this reason, our easterly 

 winds that blow from the continent are dry, in 

 comparison of those that blow from the surface 

 of the ocean, with which we are surrounded on 

 every other quarter. 



In general the winds are more boisterous in 

 spring and autumn, than at any other seasons ; 

 for that being the time of high tides, the sea may 

 communicate a part of its motions to the winds. 

 The sun and moon, also, which then have a 

 greater effect upon the waters, may also have 

 some influence upon the winds ; for, there being 

 a great body of air surrounding the globe, which, 

 if condensed into water, would cover it to the 

 depth of thirty-two feet, it is evident that the sun 

 and moon will, to a proportionable degree, affect 

 the atmosphere, and make a tide of air. This 

 tide will be scarcely perceivable, indeed; but, 

 without doubt, it actually exists, and may con- 

 tribute to increase the vernal and autumnal 

 storms, which are then known to prevail. 



* Derham's Physico-Thcol. 



