HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
*73 
water-spout, which seems to threaten the spot over which it hangs with an entire sub¬ 
version, while vessels are actually becalmed at a small distance from its explosion. 
If the swiftness of the wind exceeds one hundred and fifty feet in a second, nothing 
can then resist its force: the largest trees are torn up by the roots; the most solid 
buildings are thrown down; nor can the weight of anchors, the strength of cables, 
nor the strongest hold of the ground, secure safety to vessels, which are dashed to 
pieces on the shore, unless they are thrown on a bed of mud. 
44 I saw the main-top-mast borne away from the Mars, of sixty-four guns, and 
shattered to pieces in the hurricane of 1771 ; and which was not so violent as 
that of the month of February in the same year. An extraordinary variation of 
the barometer, is the only sign of an approaching hurricane in the seas between 
the tropics. 
“ Previous to the hurricane in February, the sudden descent of the mercury filled 
me with alarm, as well as M. Poivre, who requested the Port Captain to come to 
his house. This officer, who had been an eye-witness of the hurricane in 1761, 
was not equally surprised with us, at the variation of the barometer, and informed 
us that there were more certain indications. * Twenty-four hours, 5 he said, 4 before 
the hurricane, you will see the black clouds descend from the mountain, and de¬ 
clare the approaching storm; besides, the setting of the sun will decide the mea¬ 
sures I shall employ on the occasion. 5 But neither the intreaties of M. Poivre, nor 
my observations, were capable of changing his opinions; and though the mercury 
continued to descend, as the sun set in great beauty and serenity, the Port Captain 
left us perfectly satisfied, and free from alarm as to any threatening danger. He had 
long served on board the Company’s ships, and seemed to pity us for giving so 
much importance to the predictions of our barometer. It is very difficult indeed 
to soften the obstinacy of a man, who, knowing nothing but the practical part of his 
art, treats with disregard the instructions of theory. 
" The hurricane, however, declared itself at seven in the evening, which was an 
hour after sunset: before nine, all the ships were driven on shore except the 
Ambulante store-ship, and a small corvette, sailed the Verd-Galand: but, in a vio¬ 
lent gust of wind, the former was driven out to sea, and the latter was sunk. 
44 The Ambulante , without sails, helm, or provisions, and with a detachment of 
the Irish regiment de Clare, who were on board, was driven about for upwards of 
twelve hours at the mercy of the winds; and, after being carried by their variation 
