262. What happens on a great Scale, above the Ocean, as _before_ hinted; probably, happens on a smaller, over Channels or Arms of the Sea: and on a still smaller; over and along Rivers, Brooks, wet Meadows, and damp Grounds. 263. In the variable Latitudes on the Atlantic Ocean; _cool fresh_ Air is supplied from above, by descending Vortices of Wind and Showers: i.e. _Storms_ of +collection+.[72] 264. It may be remarked, in Confirmation of the above Doctrine, that triangular or Latteen Sails are used, and more useful, in a Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by high Lands, from which the Wind suddenly descends in Squalls; than in the open Atlantic, where the Wind is more equal. 264. 2. Perhaps there cannot be a better Account of the depressing Torrent of Air, than that which Bacon has given, in describing the Motion of Wind on the Sails of Ships, in a _Squall_. “All Wind acting on the Sails of a Vessel, tends to depress or sink it. Wherefore _in strong Gales_, they first haul down the Yards, and take in the Topsails: afterwards all the Sails: cut away the Masts: throw the Lading overboard, the Guns, &c. to lighten the Vessel, and keep her above Water.”[73] CHAPTER XXXXIX. [Sidenote: Torrents of Air on _Etna_, and _Teneriffe_.] Section 265. With Respect to Mountains: on reading what Travellers have written, particularly Ullòa;[74] they seem to answer the Intention of supplying cool Air to the surrounding Plains, or Continents; by Depression and Condensation: and also, if on Islands; to the Sea itself. 266. Brydone, in his Tour throu’ Sicily and Malta, in 1773;[75] giving an Account of his Ascent to the Top of Etna, says, that at the Foot of the Crater, the Snow was frozen hard and solid:[76] and that the Crater was so hot; it was impossible to descend into it. Further: “that the Smoke rolled down from the Sides, like a Torrent: till of equal Gravity with the Air, when it shot off horizontally; forming a long Track, according to the Direction of the _Wind_: which there rose to a +violent+ Degree: so that it was with Difficulty he coud settle the Barometer for an Observation.” He also adds “that _Clouds_ began to _gather_ round the _Mountain_; but were _dispelled_ by the Wind.”