A GUI: AT TIDAL WAVE. 143 



The combination of circumstances is almost the most 

 effective that can possibly exist. 



But, after all, high tides depend very importantly 

 on other considerations than astronomical ones. Most 

 of us remember how a predicted high tide some two 

 years ago turned out to be a very moderate, or, if we 

 may use the expression, a very ' one-horse ' affair 

 indeed, because the winds had not been consulted, and 

 exerted their influence against the astronomers- A 

 long succession of winds blowing off-shore would re- 

 duce a spring tide to a height scarcely exceeding the 

 ordinary neap. On the other hand, if we should have 

 a long succession of westerly winds from the Atlantic 

 before the approaching high tide, it is certain that a 

 large amount of mischief may be done in some of our 

 river-side regions.*" 



As for the predicted weather changes, they may be 

 regarded as mere moonshine. A number of predictions, 

 founded on the motions of the sun and moon, have 

 found a place during many months past in the columns 

 of a contemporary; but there has been no greater 

 agreement between these predictions and the weather 

 actually experienced than anyone could trace between 

 Old Moore's weather prophecies and recorded weather 

 changes. In other words, there have been certain 

 accordances which would be very remarkable indeed 

 if they did not happen to be associated with as many 

 equally remarkable discordances. Random predictions 

 would be quite as satisfactory. 



* The wave did little mischief. 



