xni. OCEANIC CURRENTS. 34o 



irlooked. When we examine the chart exhibiting the 

 lanic currents in the North Atlantic, compiled at our 

 iteorological Office, and hx our attention on the portion 

 Qg between the 30th and 40th degrees of latitude, and 

 .ending from the coasts of Portugal and Marocco to 20° 

 west longitude, we find that the currents throughout 

 s large area constantly move in a direction between SE. 

 i SSE., with an average velocity which increases from 

 3ut five miles per day in the longitude of Madeira, to 



least ten miles as we approach within 100 miles of 

 s shores of Europe and Africa. This velocity again 

 ninishes with a nearer approach to land ; and, from a 

 J observations, it would seem that along the Marocco 

 ist the current is deflected in a SW. direction, parallel 

 that of the coast line. 



It is clear that in this continual flow of cool water 

 m the north-west we have a cause which cannot fail to 

 )duce its effect on the climate of the adjoining coasts. 

 would be a matter of interest to ascertain how far the 

 ection and velocity of the ocean currents are modified 

 the prevailing winds,' which here set in nearly opposite 

 ections in winter and in summer ; but an answer to such 

 inquiry will require much time, and the accumulation 

 a large number of careful observations. 



We completed our cargo by taking on board at Casa 

 mca considerable quantities of maize, beans, oil, goat- 

 ns and wool ; and our captain resolved not to touch at 

 bat, but to run direct to Tangier. Eighteen hours 

 ier steam carried us past Cape Spartel, and in the 

 ernoon of June 12 we lay off Tangier. 



Hooker's numerous and pressing engagements in Eng- 

 d made him resolve to forego the pleasure of revisiting 

 ! neighbourhood of Tangier, and comparing the sum- 

 r vegetation with that which we had admired two 

 nths before ; he therefore determined to reach Gibraltar 

 soon as possible, with the hope of there catching the 

 [linsular and Oriental Mail Steamer for England. Ball 



