WIND. 13 



At best the results obtained could only be average results, 

 the variations on either side of which must of necessity be very 

 great, inasmuch as, even assuming practically unlimited fetch l 

 and depth of water, the duration of the gale, and the variations 

 in its direction, not only at the point of observation, but along 

 the whole line of fetch or, at all events, along that portion of it 

 traversed by the gale form most important yet unobtainable 

 factors. 



The subject of waves will, however, be considered in the 

 next chapter. 



RELATIVE FREQUENCY OF GALES ON THE BRITISH COASTS. 



In a paper which was read by Mr. R. H. Scott, Secretary to 

 the Meteorological Office, at one of the conferences in connection 

 with the Health Exhibition of 1884, it was shown from an 

 analysis of daily records, which had been taken during fourteen 

 consecutive 3 7 ears, commencing April, 1870, that the total number 

 of severe gales, of the force of 9 and upwards (Beaufort Scale, 

 p. 11), which occurred on the coasts of the British Isles during 

 that period was 379 ; and that they were distributed over the 

 several months in the following proportions. 



It would thus appear that the periods about the vernal and 

 autumnal equinoxes are not those which are most to be dreaded, 

 as many persons are in the habit of supposing. 



> See p. 73. 



