The winds for a considerable space north of the equator, about 30 degrees in the open sea, blow from the north-east, and as far south of the equator, from the south-east. These are called _trade-winds_, from their facilitating trading voyages. In the Indian ocean, from its particular situation, and that of the lands which surround it, from April or May, to October or November, the wind blows from south-east to north-west; and during the rest of the year from the opposite quarters: these winds are called _monsoons_. In Jamaica and the Caribbee islands, in the months of July, August, or September, there are usually violent storms of wind, called _hurricanes_; the wind during the hurricane frequently veering, and blowing in every direction. “Winds from all quarters agitate the air And fit the limpid element for use, Else noxious. Oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams, All feel the fresh’ning impulse, and are cleansed By restless undulation. E’en the oak thrives by the rude concussion of the storm. He seems indeed indignant, and to feel The impression of the blast with proud disdain, Frowning, as if in his unconscious arm He held the thunder. But the monarch owes His firm stability to what he scorns, More fixed below, the more disturbed above.” Winds have been measured, and their velocity calculated. The following is Mr. John Smeaton’s table of the rate at which the wind travels: Wind. Miles in Feet in an Hour. a Sec. Hardly perceptible 1 1,47 Just perceptible 2 2,98 3 4,40 Gentle, pleasant 4 5,87 5 7,35 Pleasant brisk gale 10 14,67 15 22,00 Very brisk 20 29,34 25 36,67 High winds 30 44,01 35 51,34 Very high 40 58,68 45 66,01 Storm, tempest 50 73,35 Great storm 60 88,02 Hurricane 80 117,36 ---- that tears up trees, } destroys buildings &c. &c.} 100 146,70[70]