44 On the prevailing Storms of the Atlantic Coast. 



east wind, from even the shores of Europe, and the passage of some 

 returning ships was performed in fifteen or sixteen days, and in some 

 instances, without taking in a top-gallant-sail.* After a little chilli- 

 ness on the first day or two in which it prevailed, this wind became 

 remarkably bland and agreeable in its effects, in a greater degree, 

 perhaps, than any other winds which we experience at that season. 

 North-easterly storms, of an extensive formation, and with a mode- 

 rate gyration, are also supposed to blow, occasionally, with a clear 

 sky, towards their marginal portions, for a considerable time, and 

 over a large extent of country ; constituting what are somtimes call- 

 ed dry north casters, and which, in some places, disappear with- 

 out producing symptoms of rain. 



The gyral axis of a storm in most cases, is probably inclined in 

 the direction of its progress, for, being retarded by the increased re- 

 sistance of the surface, the more elevated parts of the storm must 

 necessarily be inclined forward and overrun to a very considerable 

 distance the more quiet atmosphere, which lies near the surface. 

 This will account for the first hazj^ appearance of the storm which 

 is exhibted in the south west, usually on the evening previous to its 

 setting-in, and often, some hours previous to any change of wind at 

 the surface.-}- This overlaying of the higher portion of the storm 

 will account for another premonitory indication which we shall yet 

 have occasion to notice, and thus, also, vessels at sea sometimes en- 

 counter the sudden violence of these winds upon their more lofty 

 sails and spars, while all is quiet upon deck. Thus also a balloon 

 sent up in a moderate breeze, has, on ascending a considerable height, 

 been carried off at the rate of seventy miles an hour. Th'e two lat- 

 eral margins of the advancing storm will also overlay the prevailing 



* On this occasion, London papers were read in New York on the sixteenth day 

 after their publication. 



t Dr. JMitchill has recorded as the result of the observation of laboring people in 

 New York, that when the haze or cirrous which, appearing at sunset, indicates the 

 approach of a storm, is seen over Staten Island at S. W. or more southerly, the storm 

 of the succeeding day will blow from the north-east ; but if it appears over the Jer- 

 sey shore of the Hudson from W. S. W. to N. W. then the storm is expected to blow 

 at south-east. These prognostics accord very closely with the views maintained in 

 this article — for as in a S. E. storm, its most advanced and central portion must be 

 over the land, its first appearance will necessarily be exhibited in the western quar- 

 ter of the horizon — while a north-east storm, the main body of which passes over the 

 ocean, and covers the land with only its north-western limb or margin, will accord- 

 ingly exhibit its premonitory appearances in a more southerly direction. 



