] 840.] the Theory of the Law of Storms. 433 



Hurricane off the Preparis, 2\st Nov> 1840. 



A little hurricane experienced by the " Cashmere Merchant," between 

 the Island of Preparis and Point Negrais, is one of singular interest, for 

 it much reminds us of the smaller whirlwinds seen on shore in tropical 

 countries. By projecting the vessel's track and drift, it appears that this 

 vortex — and it clearly was one — could not at the most have exceeded 

 sixty miles in breadth. Its centre must have passed very close to the 

 ship. The direction in which it was travelling, also differs from that of the 

 preceding storm, being about NbW., and in this it approximates to 

 the September one. We have no farther notice of this storm from any 

 quarter. I have marked it upon the chart, and the following is the 

 extract from the (i Cashmere Merchant's" log. 



Extract from the log book of the Bark " Cashmere Merchant," Capt. 

 F. G. Warren ; reduced to Civil time. 



On20th Nov — At 5 a.m. the Island of Preparis bore SE. about 

 five or six miles distant. To noon calm. p. m. strong breezes and 

 heavy squalls ENE. till midnight ; standing to the NNW. 30^ miles, 

 and to the NNE. 14J miles till midnight. 



21 st November. — Midnight, strong gales EbN. with a heavy sea. 

 Noon increasing to heavy gale at eastward, veering to north. 1p.m. 

 Wind North to NE. At 5, p. m. heavy gales. At 9 p. m. wind flew 

 round to the westward, being about NW. with a complete hurricane, 

 and cross-sea ; vessel thrown on her beam-ends, all the canvas blown 

 from the yards, five shrouds of the main, and three of the fore rigging 

 being carried away, and water up to the hatches on deck ; cut away top- 

 gallant mast and yards, and sails from the yards to save the ship; 

 sea making a clear breach over her. At midnight wind west ; vessel 

 lying on her broadside, working much, and making much water. At 

 5 p.m. the wind was WSW. having moderated from about 2 a. m. 

 Noon, wind NE. bore away for Coringa being leaky, and too much 

 damaged to reach Rangoon. Lat. by observation 16° 4' N. 



We have now to consider what is the amount of the knowledge to 

 be deduced from these data,— how it agrees with the theory, —and how 

 the evidence goes to prove the track which I have laid down for the 

 Coringa storm. I may refer here to what I have said in the preceding 

 memoir, p. 585, Journal of the Asiatic Society, for June 1839, on the 



