THE GULF STEEAM. 375^ 



(358.) To this last conclusion we still firmly demur, as in previous" 

 editions of this book, subsequent to the time when we were first made 

 acquainted with the true dimensions of the Gulf Stream proper. In saying 

 this, it must be distinctly understood that the effects claimed for it on the 

 Eastern side of the Atlantic are not for a moment questioned. There can 

 be no difference of opinion as to the facts which Dr. Petermann and many 

 others bring forward in the elaborate memoir which he published.* It is 

 rather a question of nomenclature, for the connection between these phe- 

 nomena and the Gulf Stream proper is not shown. 



The facts are incontrovertible, but it is strongly affirmed that these 

 effects cannot be produced or effected by the Gulf Stream as now known, 

 or by any fluctuations in its character. A very much wider field of action 

 must be brought to bear on the subject ; and it is contended that this 

 North-Easterly drift or indraught, along the Scandinavian coast, should 

 have a distinct name, as being an independent Current, having its origin 

 somewhere between the coast of Europe and the Great Banks, and pro- 

 pelled Northward by the S.W. winds which prevail throughout the year 

 on this part of the Atlantic, or by some greater cause. But in thus stating 

 the case, it must be qualified in a degree by the fact that the Gulf Stream 

 water forms a small part of this Current, but it is so cooled down and inter- 

 mingled with the Arctic Current, that if any direct connection does exist, 

 it is with both of these Currents, and that, perhaps, in an equal degree. 



(359.) In the preceding Sections we have traced the course of the waters 

 from the shores of Europe down to the great set or Tropical Drift, and 

 thence through the Channel of Yucatan to the Western entrance of the 

 narrow channel between the North shore of Cuba and the Florida Kays. 

 Here may be said to be the commencement of the Gulf Stream as an inde- 

 pendent Current, as it flows swiftly hence to the Eastward in opposition 

 to its previous course, and then Northward through the Narrows between 

 Cape Florida and the Bemini Isles. Keeping this direction with its high 

 velocity and temperature, it is deflected to the N.E. by the form of the 

 American coast ; then assuming a more Easterly direction, and gi'adually 

 spreading its warmer waters over a broader area, through an immense 

 region of perpetual fogs rising from its tepid waters, it pursues its course 

 with a gradually decreasing rate and temperature, until it reaches the 

 Southern part of the Banks of Newfoundland. At this part it encounters 

 the Arctic Current, which crosses its track and imports into it the influences 

 of an Arctic temperature ; owing to this, and the counteracting effects of 

 an adverse current upon its diminished force and much decreased volume, 

 it ceases to maintain its character as the Gulf Stream or an independent 

 Current. 



(360.) History. — The Gulf Stream was known by its present name, and 

 in its now known form, from very early times. The Northern Equatorial 

 Drift was noticed by Columbus, September 13th, 1492, when in lat. 27° N., 

 long. 40° W., and this is the first Ocean Current observation. In his sub- 



• Geographische Mittheilungen, Gotha, Justus Perthes, vol. xvi., 1870, parts 6 and 7. 

 This -most valuable essay, with ample references, was tran.slated for the Uuited States 

 Hydro(fiaphic OflQoe. 



