29 



by a conducting fluid an action would ensue ; and in consequence 

 of the oxidation going on at the north pole there would be a ten- 

 dency in the conducting element to move towards it. 



The ocean may be considered as the conducting element, its 

 composition being peculiarly applicable for the purpose. The 

 most general component parts of the sea, in addition to pure 

 water, are muriatic acid, sulphuric acid, fixed mineral alkali, 

 magnesia, sulphate of lime, and various other substances. We 

 also know that the ocean reaches from pole to pole. 



On reference to the observations made on the general currents 

 of the ocean, we find the following : — 



The principal currents of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian 

 oceans proceed from the south pole in a north-westerly direction 

 towards the north. These currents are subject to numerous 

 modifications, in consequence of the obstacles presented by the 

 land to its free passage. The eastern coast of South America, 

 and the western coast of Africa form the boundary to the Atlantic 

 ocean, and the general movement of the ocean between the above 

 is in a north-west direction, until it enters amongst the West 

 India Islands and the Gulf of Mexico ; from which point it turns 

 towards the north and north-east near Newfoundland. In the 

 Pacific ocean there is a similar northward current. 



Another interesting question connected with these general 

 northward currents is the fact, that within the Polar region the 

 fruit of trees which belong to the American torrid zone is every 

 year deposited on the western coasts of Ireland and Norway ; and 

 on the shores of the Hebrides are collected seeds of several plants 

 the growth of Jamaica, Cuba, and the neighbouring continent. 

 The most striking circumstance, perhaps, is that of the wreck of 

 an English vessel, burnt near Jamaica, having been found on 

 the coast of Scotland. From the account of Captain Parry, 

 it appears that there is also a great quantity of timber cast by 

 the sea upon the northern coast of Spitzbergen. Timber is found 

 floating in large quantities in the north polar seas, and much of 

 which is thrown ashore on the northern side of Iceland ; some 

 of which appears to be of the growth of Mexico and Brazil. This 

 question has engaged a good deal of attention, and has been con- 

 sidered difficult to explain ; but by admitting the general north- 

 ward tendency of the ocean the question is easily solved. 



