81 



But a more remarkable difference is in the winds 

 which prevail in the different parts of the country. 

 The following table exhibits a comparative view of the 

 winds prevailing at Williarasburgh, and at Monticello. 

 It is formed by reducing nine months observations at 

 3Ionticello to four principal points, to wit, the north- 

 east, south-east, south-west, and north-west ; these 

 points being perpendicular to, or parallel with our 

 coast, mountains, and rivers: and by reducing in like 

 manner, an equal number of observations, to wit, 421 

 from the preceding table of winds at Williamsburgh, 

 taking them proportionably from every point. 



By this it may be seen that the south-west wind pre- 

 vails equally at both places; that the north-east is, 

 next to this, the principal wind towards the sea-coast, 

 and the north-west is the predominant wind at the 

 mountains. The difference between these two winds 

 to sensation, and in fact, is very great. The north-east 

 is loaded with vapour, insomuch, that the salt makers 

 have found that their crystals would not shoot while 

 that blows; it brings a distressing chill, and is heavy 

 and oppressive to the spirits: the north-west is dry, 

 cooling, elastic and animating. The eastern and south- 

 eastern breezes come on generally in the afternoon. 

 They have advanced into the country very sensibly 

 within the memory of people now living. They for- 

 merly did not penetrate far above Williamsburgh. 

 They are now frequent at Richmond, and every now 

 and then reach the mountains. They deposit most of 

 their moisture however before they get that far. As 

 the lands become more cleared, it is probable the}'^ wiiJ 

 extend still further westward. 



