1872.] H. C. St. Jolin — Winds, typhoons, Sfc. on S. Coast of Japan. 205 



The following papers were read — 



1. Hemarks on winds, typhoons, Sfc. on the Soicth Coast of Japan. — JBy 

 CoMMAOT^EE H. C. St. John, H. M. S., Sylvia. 



The most prevalent winds in the Southern parts of Japan are from the 

 north-east. 



Throughout an entire year, the proportion was as follows, taking 1000 

 hours as an index : — 



Between N. and E 500 



N. and W 200 



S. and E 100 



S. and W 0.99 



During April, May, June, July, August and Sept. N. E. winds prevail, 

 hauling more easterly in June, July and part of August. In August and 

 September S. Easterly winds are most frequent than during any other months. 



In October, variable winds prevail. The N. W. wind begins. 



During November, December, January, and February, the N. W. winds 

 prevail and blow hard. In March, the N. W. and N. E. winds are equally 

 distributed. 



The S. Westerly winds most frequeutly occur during the early parts 

 of September. 



It appears then the winds on the southern coasts of Japan are easterly 

 during April, — (spring) — and hauling to the S. as the summer approaches 

 pass through S. and W. to N. W. during winter, coming again through N. 

 to N. E. and E. in spring and summer. 



The numerous mountain ranges and high lands of Japan, appear mostly 

 to run West and East, They are cut into by Bays and Channels, such as Kago- 

 sima, Owarri, Suruga, Uraga and Yedo Grulfs, and Bungo and Kii Channels. 

 These numerous openings in the coast form funnels for the N. Westerly 

 winter winds to blow down. This invariably will be found to occur, and 

 fierce and strong these winds are, blowing hard gales for periods between 

 three hours and thirty-six. 



During winter a clear sky and bright day is generally a sure sign of a 

 strong N. Westerly wind. Not unfrequently at the setting of the sun or 

 moon, this wind dies away. 



The Barometer is as likely to rise as remain steady previous to their 

 commencement. 



Grales from seaward or between East through South to West, occur at 

 all times of the year. The Barometer will give certain warning, coupled 

 ivith the appearance of the sky, clouds, &c. 



Typhoons occur between June and October, inclusive. From the mid- 

 dle of August, to the middle of October, they may be expected to occur most 

 frequently. 



The usual tracks of these storms on the Japan coasts appear very regular. 

 Approaching from the S. E. travelling about N. W. On reaching the 



