176 West African Hurricanes. 
be provided against in some manner—perhaps by employing air 
previously condensed, of which the oxygen had been conver 
into carbonic acid by passing thoroughly through the fire. 
Since the great advantages which the air-engine holds out 
seem to be so nearly within our reach, and since we seem at 
present to be debarred from them only by obstacles such as the 
ingenuity of man has heretofore repeatedly surmounted, it is not 
only greatly to be hoped, but even to be reasonably expected, 
that we may soon see the invention perfected, and the important 
object which has hitherto in a great measure frustrated effort, 
successfully achieved. 
University of Alabama, April 25, 1854. 

Art. XXII.—On the first Hurricane of September 1853, in the 
Atlantic; with a Chart; and Notices of other Storms: by 
W. C. Repriecp. a 
(Concluded from p, 18.) 
West African Hurricanes, and Gales of the Eastern Atlantic 
between the Tropics. 
As the great hurricane whose path we have already indicated, 
appears to have been of African origin, it may be well to show 
that the occurrence of storms in this region is not uncommon. 
1. A violent hurricane swept over St. Nicholas, one of the Cape 
Verde Islands, lat. 16° 33’ N., lon. 24° 20’ W., on the second day 
of September, 1850. Its duration exceeded twenty-four hours; 
although the chief damage was done in three or four hours, during 
the morning of that day. All the crops, and nearly six hu 
houses, were completely destroyed.* The marine accounts from 
the vicinity, date this gale on the third ; doubtless in nautical time. 
The ship Sir Robert Peel, for Bombay, after arun of about 
miles from Bona Vista, encountered this hurricane Sept. 34, and 
was completely dismasted. 
The New Margaret was dismasted in the hurricane on the 
same day, in lat. 18° N., lon. 25° W. 
Ship Sir Edward Parry, was in the hurricane Sept. 4th, of 
the Cape Verde Islands, St. Antonio bearing E. N. E., about 80 
miles, [lat. 16° 30’ N., lon. 26° 40’ W]. It came on from east 
ward, increasing in violence till it blew the masts out of the ve 
sel, while under bare poles, . 
H. M.S. Portland, encountered the gale in this vicinity. 
The Eliza Johnson was spoken Sept. 20, in lat. 6° N., lo” 
22° W., having lost mizenmast and topmasts in the gale, abou! 
two weeks before. 
* London Times, Feb, Ist, 1851: p. 3. 
