LETTERS FROM ALABAMA. 
9 
the glorious weather which speedily set in after we 
were well off the land. 
All minor discomforts were forgotten, or at least 
felt to be compensated, when I saw that mysterious 
current, commonly known by the name of the 
Gulf-stream, or by sailors, more elliptically, ^‘the 
Gulf ; ” a strong and ever-running river, if I may 
so term it, in the sea, whose banks are almost as 
well defined as if they were formed of solid earth, 
instead of the same fickle fluid as the torrent itself. 
It first becomes appreciable on the western coast of 
Florida, gently flowing southward, till it reaches the 
Tortugas, when it bends its course suddenly east- 
ward, and runs along the Florida Reef, increasing 
in force, till it rushes with amazing velocity through 
the confined limits of the Strait of Florida, and 
pours a vast volume of tepid water into the cold 
bosom of the Atlantic. Here, unrestrained, it 
widens its bounds, and slackens its speed, though 
such is the impetus with which it has been im- 
pelled, that it is distinctly perceptible on the banks 
of Newfoundland, and may be traced by its effects 
even to the shores of Western Europe. 
Our contact with this wonderful stream was indi- 
cated by the increased temperature of the water, as 
well as by the long strings or ridges of the yellow 
Gulf-weed, which are commonly to be observed 
stretching across its course. Sometimes it occurs 
in immense fields, as it did to Columbus, when the 
ocean appeared like a vast meadow, and the course 
of his vessels was impeded by the floating grass.” 
When I saw these strings and patches I was well 
pleased, for I knew I should not lack entertainment 
as long as this singular plant continued abundant. 
Its own structure is most interesting and surprising ; 
