Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-05-03

The stations named in the preceding table may
be considered as central points on the respective
sides of the Atlantic ocean, and as representing the
adjacent country around where they are situated.
The extremes of latitude are, New Orleans lat. 30
deg and ST. Petersbugh LAT. go deg, or 80 degrees
of latitude. The second and fourth columns show
the difference of latitude and that of mean empera-
ture between the contrasted places and the very
striking inequality.
Absolute accuracy, unattainable in itself, is not
claimed, but the general results flowing from the
element decide the fact that the line of equal mean
temperature from coast to coast declines from the
meridans upwards of 10 degrees, and the differen-
ces all falling on the same side proves the general
fact. The cause is to be sought in atmospherical
motion; the contrasted effects on aerial tempera-
ture of land and water surfaces, and the prevalence
Of western winds, as alluded to in this paper. 1t
would be absurd to suppose that equal latitudes on
the Atlantic and Pacific slopes Of North America
will present equal climates but il is consonant to
all experience to regard that the laws of Nature
WILL in this case, far the features of the earths
surface are similar, produce, not indeed uniform,
but specifically similar phenomena. The cause
being permanent, SO must be the effect, and the
western side of America is at length receiving civil
lied tenants destined to extend their hsbitations to
the Northern ocean.
What amount of information any person can give
through the columns Of public print on any SUBJ
ject demanding extensive research can only amount
to generalites. But if the statement of general
facts tends to stimulate inquiry, they are valuable
in proportion to the magnitude of the object they
serve to illustrate. In this respect the atmosphere
cal constitution, or the course Of winds over the
northern temperate zone of the earth, is amongst
the highestobjects Of inquiry which exercised
human reason.
1t is found that the real motion of the air,
with very tring, or, 10 say all in few words, with
no exception worthy notice, is from the three west
ern points. that the course of the wind is but
partially influenced by either land or water whilst
its temperature, on the contrary, is determined so
greatly by two agents differing so essentially in
their own respective temperature as to produce eli
mates over like parallels of latitudes of extremely
opposite character. The table of comparative eli
mate, which forms part of this article, places the
theory in strong points of view. Until the real
cause was known, and TO those who are yet ignor-
ant Of that and its influence, proximity 10 the
sea or ocean, is regarded as the cause of mild tenn
perature over Europe. So it is in as far as it, COM
ing from the west and from the bosom of an ocean,
modifes the air; but when coming over land,
which it does on like lati,udes, but opposite shores,
and from wide continents, directly opposite effects
are produced.
In brief, before US lies the great preface to the
history of all coming ages. The genial winds from
the expansive surface of the Pacific ocean, as far
as soil will admit, must spread countless millions,
and give to the western coast of Northwestern Ame
rica the aspect Of another Europe Incredibly may
smile at such anticipation; and yet no phenomena
Of the heavens are more sure Of accomplishment,
nor do any change in futurity rest more securely
on the past and on the enduring laws of Nature.
WILLIAM DARBY