The Sun.
London, England, 1864-10-31 00:00:00

Whirlwinds and Waterspouts.

The precise origin of waterspouts, although still a subject
of some discussion, and depending for its solution upon a
greater knowledge of the principles and phenomena of elec-
tricity than we at present possess, may yet be correctly and
sufficiently accounted for to the general reader in the fol-
lowing way. In calm weather it may often be observed
that particles of dust are carried by the wind with a whirl-
ing motion into the air. Little eddies of dust are frequently
thus formed on the pavements of our streets. A. stronger
wind will take up leaves and straw, and carry them whirling
round in the same manner. Hero is at work the very force
which, on a larger scale, produces the phenomena known as
land and water spouts. A violent wind of the nature
we have described is called a whirlwind, and will occa-
sionally rage with great fury round a particular spot,
taking up trees by the roots, and even over-
throwing buildings in its course. So partial is
the course frequently taken by a whirlwind, that
a comparatively narrow strip cf land will be almost
devastated, while the ground immediately adjoining may
remain uninjured. In this way the movement of a whirl •
wind through a forest has been known to leave a long and
narrow tract, the trees on each side being apparently un-
touched. In the deserts of Africa whirlwinds have coca-
sionally been known to swallow up entire caravans in their
vortex, burying men and camels in one vast sandy tomb,
Waterspouts are formed in much the same way by these
whirlwinds or hurricanes at sea. They are generally believed
to be caused by the struggle of two strong and adverse
winds, coming from opposite directions, and in meeting the
uppermost regions of the air. The strife for mastery causes
each current, in the effirt to pass the other, to be whirled
round and round, drawing the adjacent cloud of water in
its movement. The appearance of a waterspout is
frequently accompanied by flashes of lightning, and
occasionally by a sulphureous smell, which indicates
the activity of electricity in the air. The general form of
the water is a cone, rising from a circular area of from 300
to 400 yards, and gradually tapering off as it rides, until it
becomes, perhaps, no more than two or three feet in diame-
ter at its apes. 'While this cone of water is forming from
the sea, another of vapour is descending to meet it from the
clouds as shown in our engraving. The two cones thus
gradually unite, and form one column, moving with the
wind. The water is frequently raised in this manner to the
height of many hundred feet. The duration of a water-
spout is usually but a few minutes only; but one has been
known to continuo for an hour. Sometimes waterspouts
break and reunite again; while frequently they have been
observed in groups. It is related that on one occasion as
many as 16 were seen in the Mediterranean at the same time.
Occasionally a waterspout appears to originate in
the clouds above, which form a conical descending
pillar of condensed vapour. As this column approaches
the sea, gradually dipping lower and lower, the waters be-
come greatly agitated, and at length appear to be drawn up
bodily into the cloud. The descending pillar is often ob-
served to have the deep blue indigo tint of the cloud whence
it proceeds.

It is remarkable that, as far as has been at present ob-
served, the water discharged on the bursting of a water-
spout is invariably fresh, which has led to the conclusion
that any water derived from the sea must have passed into
the air in the form of vapour. And waterspouts, on touch-
ing the land, have been apparently dissolved into the merest
mist.— Cassell's Illustrated Family Paper.

The third report of the directors of the Standard
Bank of British South Africa recommend a dividend
at the rate of 8
per cent. per annum for the six
months to June last.