THE OPEN SEA 



117 



by the crest being thrown up in the air with 

 the upward push of the wave. The wedge- 

 shaped cap thus dashed upward or forward 

 breaks into spray, is filled with countless air- 

 bubbles, and shows bluish- or greenish-white 

 to the eye. In heavy winds this " white-cap " 

 is apparent in every direction, but it does 

 not break so regularly or so smoothly as in a 

 common gale. 



Storm waves are usually marked by flawed 

 and broken surfaces and their crests are ragged 

 and torn, often being wrenched away by gusts 

 of wind and driven across the ocean in the form 

 of flying spray. But despite its irregularity of ! storm 

 surface, one is never deceived about the bulk and 

 weight of a storm wave. Its rise and heave are 

 indicative of its power. The lift of the wave 

 seems one long, straining effort at pushing up 

 the gable-shaped crest. It heaves and heaves 

 until at last, having pushed the top to an un- 

 sustainable height, it suddenly lets go as though 

 exhausted and the crest pitches forward in foam. 

 In long-continued storms these same waves are 

 beaten into white, bubbling, froth-hung surfaces, 

 foam is festooned in wreaths from every crest, 

 and water dust rolls into every hollow ; the air 

 is full of flying spray, the clouds are obliterated, 



