1840.] the Theory of the Law of Storms in India. 1013 



with rain and a high sea, but did not approach to a gale. On the 29th, the 

 weather became moderate, the swell high and confused. 



The Barque " Ganges" from Malacca to Madras. On the 2Qth of April, 

 1840, in 6° 37' N and 95° 56' E. a fresh gale commenced at SSW. veering 

 to the S W. On the 27th she hove to under storm staysails ; the Barometer 

 fell to 29-50, blowing a hard gale from SSW. to SW. At noon, still lying to 

 in Lat 7° 10' N. 95° 18' E. Bar. 29-60. On the 28^^ the gale abated, and at 

 noon the weather cleared up. Lat 8° 1' N. 94° 33' E. Bar. 29-80. 



Extract from the Log of the Brig ^^ Freak,'" from Calcutta to Singapore ; commu- 

 nicated hy Captain Smoult. Reduced to Civil time. 



\9th April, 1840. — Left the Pilot at the Sand Heads, and carried the wind 

 about SSW., standing to S. Eastward. The wind then became light, and 

 veered from SSE. to SW. ; the weather continued light and variable with 

 flashes of lightning, in the north after sunset. On the 20th, Lat. 20© 31' N. 

 Long. 88o 35' E. On the 26^/^ Lat. 19° 23' N. Long. 88^ 40' E. light winds, 

 between SW. and South, with strong northerly currents until 27^^, 

 when the wind hauled round to the East. Lat. 18° 56' N. Long. 88° 30' E. 

 P.M. Moderate breeze with fine clear weather. At 8, the wind increased, and 

 weather became cloudy and threatening, which obliged us to take in all 

 steering sails ; the wind moderated at midnight; set the steering sails. 



2Sth April. At 10 a.m. the breeze freshened again, took in all steering sails 

 and royals, the Barometer standing about 29-30 steady. Lat. 17o 40' N. Long. 

 88° 32' E. P.M. strong breeze and threatening weather, the Barometer vibrating 

 very much,* dark heavy clouds rising in the north, wearing the appearance 

 of ragged edges. 



Commenced making preparation for a gale of wind by sending down 

 the lofty yards, and securing spars, hatchways, boats, &c. and double 

 gasketting the sails as we furled them. At 6. p.m. we had got every sail 

 stowed, except the close-reefed fore topsail, the gale increasing so rapidly 

 from NNE. that it obliged us to stow the main topsail, without reefing ; 

 the sea rising in proportion. The wind gradually veered round to the 

 north, and blew from that quarter till midnight, (Lat. Ace. 15° 46' N. 

 Long. 88o 18' East) when the wind chopped round to the NW. suddenly, 

 and blew with double force, which threw the ship on her broadside ; the 

 helm was immediately placed a-weather, but was rendered useless, 

 owing to the position of the ship. She lay dormant for some time, the 



* The italics are mine. This vibrating of the Barometer is frequently noticed in the 

 Logs in Col. Reid's work, and seems an infallible sign. In Professor Barlow's account of 

 the water barometer it is particularly noticed as "resembling the breathings of some 

 huge animal." — H. P. - 



