29 



The following tabulated form will show the nature of the 

 contending currents of air during this 26 hours* storm. In 

 Professor Loomes' investigation of the storm of 1838, before 

 referred to, he gives the direction of two opposed forces at an 

 angle of 130° with each other ; setting from a point 30° N. of 

 W., and on the E. side, in close proximity from a point 10° E. 

 of S. 



By the present recorded observations on the storm of March 

 7th and 8tli, 1866, it appears that the gale commenced from 

 N.N.W., and met a force from S.S.W. — or as some registers 

 have it S. or S.S.E. — the opposing currents thus forming an 

 an angle with each other very similar to that given for the 

 American storm. 



a. Close-reefed topsails and fore-staysail— steaming. 



6. Barometer falling rapidly, sea increasing ; a heavy squall struck the ship. 



c. P.M.— Light winds and rain. At midnight a hurricane, 20"831bs. to 

 square foot. It blew with terrific force for six hours. 



d. Eve overcast and threatening. Wind increased to a hurricane by mid- 

 night. 



e. At midnight a very high wind with thunder and lightning. 



/. The Coorong, s.s., sailed from Adelaide on the evening of the 7th, and 

 arrived in Hobson's Bay at llh. 30m. p.m. on the 9th. Experienced strong 

 S.E. and K winds with heavy sea throughout the passage. 



