atmospheric mass was indicated by its elevation or its energy of position. In the descent this energy is thus entirely transformed, and reverts once more to its original form of energy of rotation. The continual transformation of axial energy by the aqueous vapour, and the conversion of that energy by the upward movement of the air masses into energy of position, naturally tends to produce a retardative effect on the motion of revolution of the earth. But this retardative effect is in turn completely neutralised or balanced by the corresponding accelerative effect due to the equally continuous return as the energy of the air masses reverts in the continuous polar movement to its original axial form. Speaking generally, the equatorial regions, or the regions of high velocity, are the location of the most powerful transformation or abstraction of axial energy by the aqueous vapour. Conversely, the polar or regions of low velocity are the location of the greatest return of energy by the air. As no energy return is possible unless by the transference of the atmospheric material from regions of high to regions of low velocity, the configuration of the planet in rotation must conform to this condition. The spheroidal form of the earth is thus exquisitely adapted to the working of the atmospheric machine. As already pointed out, however, the energising and raising of atmospheric masses is by no means confined to equatorial regions, but takes place more or less over the whole planetary surface. The same applies to the energy return. The complete cycle may be carried out in temperate zones; gaseous masses, also, leaving equatorial regions at high altitudes do not necessarily reach the polar regions, but may attain their lowest levels at intermediate points. Neither do such masses necessarily proceed to the regions of low velocity by purely linear paths. On the contrary, they may and do move both towards the poles and downwards by circuitous and even vortical paths. In fact, as will be readily apparent, their precise path is of absolutely no moment in the consideration of energy return.