24 THE CURRENTS THROUGH BHERING's STRAITS. 



extend 29, and at other times only 17 from the 

 equator; and, as they are accomplished in periods of 

 about 27^ days, therefore the moon during some 

 parts of the cycle of 149 years, changes its latitude 

 at the rate of 4^ each day, and at other periods at 

 the rate of only 2i each day. Arid also during 

 some portions of that cycle its influence will cause 

 the tidal current to set southwards through Bher- 

 ing's Straits before the arrival of the September 

 equinox; and during other portions of that cycle 

 it will retard the time at which its southward 

 ebbing commences until after , the September 

 equinox. Any tidal current running through those 

 straits at one period of the year must be balanced by 

 an equal current running in the opposite direction at 

 some other period of the year. And therefore our 

 theory requires that there should be a current run- 

 ning southwards through those straits at some period 

 of the year. And the current reported by Kobelef, 

 which Major Rennell, in the quotation on which we 

 are commenting, mentions doubtfully, accords with 

 that theory. And also, the period of its occurrence, 

 as reported by Kobelef namely, ' after the month of 

 August ' is by no means at variance with our theory, 

 for, as we have shown, it should in accordance with 

 that theory during some years turn southwards some 

 time before, and during other years some time after 

 the September equinox. 



