70 THE GULF STREAM OVER WHAT IT FLOWS. 



that of its waters was 80. From this it may be 

 easily seen how great are the disturbing influences 

 around and above it; for, as the warm and moist 

 atmosphere over it ascends in virtue of its lightness, 

 the cold air outside rushes in violently to supply its 

 place, thus creating storms. 



The warm waters of this stream do not, it is be- 

 lieved, anywhere extend to the bottom of the sea. 

 It has been ascertained, by means of the deep-sea 

 thermometer, that they rest upon, or rather flow 

 over, the cold waters which are hastening from the 

 north in search of those elements which, in their 

 wanderings, they have lost. As cold water is one 

 of the best non-conductors of heat, the Gulf Stream 

 is thus prevented from losing its caloric on its way 

 across the Atlantic to ameliorate the climates of the 

 western coasts of Europe, and moderate the bitter- 

 ness of the northern seas. Were it otherwise, and 

 this great stream flowed over the crust of the Earth, 

 so much of its heat would be extracted, that the 

 climates of France and our own islands would pro- 

 bably resemble that of Canada. Our fields would 

 be covered, for two, three, or four months, with 

 deep snow ; our rivers would be frozen nearly to 

 the bottom ; our land traffic would perhaps be 

 carried on by means of sledges and carioles ; our 

 houses would require to be fitted with double win- 

 dow-frames and heated with iron stoves ; and our 

 garments would have to be made of the thickest 

 woollens and the warmest furs ! 



