1840.] the Theory of the Law of Storms. 433 



III. The rate of progression of the Storm. 



If our centres are correctly laid down, we find that the storm must 

 have advanced from the 12th to the 13th about 150 miles, 

 13th .. 14th .. 159 

 14th .. 15th .. 62 

 15th .. 16th .. 160 

 16th .. 17th .. 123 



Total, . . 654 miles in five days 



or 131 miles per day — or about 5£ miles per hour, on a line about 

 N. 71 W. a rate which does not very greatly exceed that of the storm 

 of June. The apparent check in the rate of motion between the 14th 

 and 15th, if it really occurred, is curious. The centres on those days 

 are tolerably well ascertained, and I should be inclined to suppose 

 them, as correct as the others. 



I cannot close this second memoir, without repeating that from 

 every officer connected with Government, and from most of the mer- 

 cantile community, I have met with the most zealous assistance. The 

 Marine Board, through their indefatigable secretary, Mr. Greenlaw, 

 the Bankshall, through Captain Clapperton, and Captain Biden, Master 

 Attendant at Madras, — to whose kind attentions I shall have particu- 

 larly to refer in a future memoir, — have all vied with each other in 

 forwarding the collection of materials for me ; and indeed, though it is 

 strange to say it, the only class of persons whose co-operation was 

 especially necessary, and who were somewhat dilatory in according it, is 

 that for whose especial use and benefit it is intended ! — the command- 

 ers of ships ! To this however there are, I am happy to say, some very 

 honorable exceptions ; and I trust that as the uses, objects, and suc- 

 cess of our inquiries become more evident, we shall have less reason to 

 complain on this score. The negligent commanders may reflect that 

 there can be no harm done, in giving us the information ; and to 

 get safe off when others are dismasted, always reflects some credit ; 

 while, on the other hand, the most careful man may have his re- 

 putation and his prospects injured by a succession of misfortunes ; 

 against which the best safeguard is the knowledge we are trying 

 to elicit. 



