XIV. On the Connexion between Volcanic Eruptions and 
Hurricanes. By THomas Dozson, Esq., B.A., Head 
Master, High School, Hobart Town. [Read 12th 
May, 1852.] 
“The most important desiderata appertaining to the subject of Storms are certainly 
their origin and termination. Of these initial and terminal points in the course of great 
storms, we absolutely know nothing."—HERSCHELL'S Admiralty Manual, 1849, p. 335. 
In a former paper I stated that whirlwind storms, or cyclones, 
as Piddington has well designated them, probably take their 
rise in the great centres of volcanic action. It is found that, 
even in regions where volcanic eruptions are most frequent, 
the intervals of their recurrence are still considerable ; the 
average period in most cases consisting of several years. 
The same observation applies equally to great hurricanes. 
Repeated instances of coincidence of the phenomena in ques- 
tion will therefore afford strong corroborative evidence of a 
connexion between them; for their simultaneous occurrence 
at considerable intervals would render their mutual inde- 
pendence in the highest degree improbable. 
The following are the instances of coincidence which I 
have met with in support of the truth of the proposition, 
that “ cyclones follow volcanic eruptions.” 
At Lancerote Island, near Teneriffe, a great volcanic 
eruption on 7th September, 1730. Lava ran into the sea 
with a terrible roaring ; lapilli, sand, ashes, &c., thrown up. 
A storm also, which was equally new and terrifying to the 
inhabitants, as they had never known one in the country 
before.—Lyell, Prin. Geol. 2, p. 274. 
