116 



Observations on the Storm of Dec. 15, 1839- 



upward by an unseen deflection, and doubled back upon itself in 

 the higher atmosphere. Bat the case neither calls for nor admits 

 these speculations. If, however, the axis of this gale had chan- 

 ced to pass westward and northward of our limits of correct ob- 

 servation, in pursuing its northeasterly course, as did, perhaps, 

 that of the storm of December 21st, 1836, which has been ably 

 examined and discussed by Professor Loomis,* it is, in such case, 

 more than probable that its whirlwind character would not have 

 been established. 



[Note. — It having been claimed that this and other storms had 

 been found to blow inward^ towards some central point or line, I 

 was induced to prepare and make public, shortly after the occur- 

 rence of this storm, a statement of observations on the direction 

 of the wind at or near sunset, from such evidence as was then 

 in my possession, and illustrated by a small geographical sketch 

 or diagram. To this sketch, which is here subjoined, I have 

 now added the latest observations on the 15th, at the following 

 places, viz. Culloden Point, Worcester, position of ship Morrison, 

 Stratford, Fire Island, Keene, West Point, Salem, N. Y., and the 

 position of the barque Ann Louisa. It will be seen that the as- 

 sumed axis of the storm on this sketch is more advanced in its 

 northeasterly course than appears in the larger diagram of the 

 observations made at noon, as seen on the following page. 



I have seen no satisfactory evidence that the revolving charac- 

 ter has been wanting in any active American storm. — w. c. b.] 



* Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. Vol. VII, p. 125-163. 



