282 DESCRIPTION OF A TYPHOON [Cuar. XV. 
being nearly ripe, were quicky cut, and the long 
stalks left to be reaped at another time. Millet is 
so heavy when nearly ripe, that had it been left ex- 
posed to the wind it must have been dashed to pieces, 
and the crop entirely lost. Crops on the sides of 
the rivers and canals were removed where it was 
possible to do so; otherwise, they would have been 
blown into the water, and carried away far beyond 
the reach of their owners. All the fruit which was 
nearly ripe was hastily gathered from the trees, 
unnecessary branches were cut en and others 
tied up and supported. 
The gale gradually increased in force until day- 
light on the morning of the 22d, when it seemed 
to be at its height. In Mr. Mackenzie’s house, where 
I was staying at the time, we passed a fearful night. 
The wind howled and whistled round the roof, 
every blast seemingly more fierce than that which 
preceded it, until I really thought we should have 
the building down upon us and be buried in the 
ruins. At daylight the rooms presented a dismal 
appearance ; all the floors, chairs, and tables were 
covered with dust and pieces of broken tiles and 
mortar which had been shaken out of the roof. 
As the storm still raged with unabated fury, Mr. 
Mackenzie and myself, glad to escape from the wreck 
by which we were surrounded, went out to see what 
effect the gale was producing on the other places 
in the vicinity. The wind was so powerful, that it 
was next to impossible to keep our feet ; in fact, we 
were frequently blown off the path, and were obliged 
