THE TIDES 155 



in the great tidal movement is the resultant of several 

 opposing forces ; but the chief of them is, as I have 

 said before, the meeting of two oceanic tidal streams 

 which neutralize one another. 



In places like this, and there are many, as might 

 be expected from the intensely irregular outline pre- 

 sented to the inrush of the tidal wave in various parts 

 of the world, the incidence of the winds play a most 

 important part in arranging irregular risings and 

 fallings of the tide. Where the ebb and flow are 

 fairly regular, as has been already observed, a strong 

 wind will retard or accelerate a tide, but its effect 

 is exceedingly limited. Where, however, the combat- 

 ing forces of the tidal waves prevent any regular ebb 

 and flow taking place, the occurrence of a gale from 

 almost any direction whatever is sufficient to turn the 

 scale, and a temporary rush of water in the direction 

 towards which the wind is blowing will be the result, 

 generally causing the maximum of inconvenience to 

 all concerned. 



But leaving for a while the actual facts of tidal 

 incidence and its effect upon commerce, and ascending 

 to speculation, it is always a matter for great wonder 

 to seamen why they do not continually meet in the 

 open ocean with the tidal waves raised by the moon in 

 her regular revolution round the world. It is natural 

 to suppose that the swell of water she raises towards 

 her and draws after her will be of such a size as to cause 

 grave inconvenience, if not actual danger, to vessels 

 which meet it in its long course from continent to 

 continent. Looking upon a conventional diagram 

 showing the influence of the moon upon the ocean, 

 it would appear as if the great mass of water raised by 



