CUEEENTS AND TYPHOONS. 7 1 



localities have scarcely done more than very lightly 

 touch the ground with the dredge. Not only the 

 opportunity must be obtained, but time is a necessary 

 adjunct; and this I, with so much other work on 

 hand, could seldom spare. I often wished when in 

 the north, and in this current, that I had a few months 

 to devote entirely to collecting the numerous objects 

 so plentifully distributed around me. 



As this body of warm water, the Kuro Siwo, flows 

 along the southern coasts of Nipon, its north-easterly 

 course is frequently interrupted by strong contrary 

 winds and gales, as well as by numerous points, capes, 

 and peninsulas. 



The results of such interruptions are manifold and 

 perplexing; but the chief peculiarity, perhaps, is the 

 formation of numerous overfalls and tide-rips. They 

 sometimes take place in calm weather, when their 

 appearance is startling, and by no means inviting to 

 the mariner. 



The calm sea suddenly seems lashed into fury. 

 The waves rise like walls, breaking in angry foam 

 along their crest, and as suddenly fall again. These 

 wall-like waves are so near together that a vessel has 

 no time to rise and fall, but has to flounder through in 

 the most uncomfortable manner. Large ships have 



