WINDS, &C* 



§3 



causes, fhe pressure it experiences on the one hand, 

 and the greater space into which it expands itself 

 on the other, as it issues from its narrow channel. 

 But what is the primary cause of the expansion of 

 the air, which occasions these subsequent phoeno- 

 mena, we have no data to expUun. All we know is 

 from its effects; and the problem remains to be 

 solved by some future enquirer. 



Of the South Wind. 



When the wind blows directly from the south, 

 we should suppose it would be hotter than from the 

 south-east, yet in the United States it is more tem- 

 perate. During the summer, when it most fre- 

 quently occurs, it is considered as an agreeable 

 breeze, and almost cooling, in consequence of the 

 moist vapour, with which it impregnates the air. It 

 is for the sake of enjoying this breeze, that a south 

 aspect is preferred for a house throughout the Ame- 

 rican continent, as in France east and south-east are 

 preferred. In the United States it has this advan- 

 tage, that in summer the sun is so high above the 

 horizon, as not to enter apartments shaded by por- 

 ticoes or piazzas, the use of which is general. In 

 winter, being lower, its desirable rays enter the 

 houses, and cheer them with their warmth, in spite 

 of the north-west wind, that too frequently accom- 

 panies its shiuing. In this season, if the south wind 

 be sometimes a little cold, it is inconsequence of 

 having passed over the snow, which occasionally 

 covers the ground for a short time, even in Caro- 



