The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1852-03-30


Whilst scientific meu are very lsudably de-
voting themselves to the study OF storms 10
general. we propose investigating that particu-
lar branch Of the subject which 10 applicable to
every day life; for knowledge Of the theory
| ana causes OF domestic storms must be useful
to all classes Of the community.
IL was no contemplating the ruin caused by
q domestic hurricane, in the mids, OF China.
thai the writer first conceived the idea Of Civ
ing ms head to subjec CT about which his head
had oeen broken more than once, though he
nad never before thought Of collecting together
the results OF his experience. He had obser-
we'd that the various domestic storms he had
encountered, as mate Of very troublesome
crsit. though sometimes sudden and furious
mao generally some determined cause, and
frequently took the same direction, 1y concen-
traling towards himself all their Violence
lie resolved, therefore. on keeping a log, or
journal, in which he noted down. from hour TO
hour, the state of the craft To which he acted
rs mato--~th the nominal rank Of commander.
lie described her condition under light breeze,
her behavior in rough weather; the effect pro-
duced upon her by all sorts Of airs; and 10 fact
NE collected such information, that he thought
any yusilcious mate, attached 10 similar ciafi,
would find liule difficulty in her management.
One OF the curiosities OF this domestic expert
ence, Is the fact that the same hurricanes per-
iods OF the year; and il is remarkable, that
tnough the wind seems 10 be raised with i'm
mense difficulty about Christmas time, domes-
TIC storms are most prevalent at that period
These storms are not felt TO opperate Sc
verely on those who are provided with a heavy
balance. which prevents the sgitatiug influence
of those fearful ups and downs which are me,
with az the time allcded TO.
Those who are protected by the shelter OF a
ba are Kaftv Iu L. ,ba
though the less substantial craft. unable to
meet an unusually heavy draft, will frequently
be found incapable OF keeping the head above
water.
IL is o singular fact that domestic. like other
storms, prevail iu circles: and, indeed, there is
no circle. in which they are not to the higher
circles, and the lower circles. with almost equal
regularity.
A thorough understanding Of domestic bar-
ricane is Of course invaluable TO a master hsv-
ing the charge Of one Of The weaker vessels,
Tor IL enables him to perceive the storm coming
on, and TO pass out Of il. A domestic storm
is generally preceded by great deal Of puff
ing and blowing, which leads more or some
times less gradually TO regular blow up;
and the craft will frequently begin 10 heave 10 |
every direction. Some masters endeavor TO
meet The storm by heaving TO: but this often
doubles. without subd uine. its violence. The |
damage done during domestic storm Of this |
nature Is always very great. and a family wreck |
is not unfreqlently the sad consequence.
The numerous different airs thai prevail, and |
form, as II were, the elements Of domestic |
storm, would form long and lamentable chap |
ter OF themselves; but give the heads OF |
few of the principal, Sometimes a storm be- |
girs with trifing airs, but these often increase |
suddenly TO squall Of the most alarming |
char acter. Som"tines a storm commence es |
with vspors, W Ich by degrees dissolve into
moisture, and squal springs up, accompanied |
by torrents Of tears FISHING down the face Of
nature, or illnature, with fearful fury. A storm
OF this kind passes over mo,e quickly Than |
some OF the other sorts, though the craft often |
goes right over on her beams ends; and, under |
these circumstances, if allowed TO lay-to for a |
time, she will most probably right Of herself
without the mate or master taking any trouble.
|: he is tmid, he will probably begin to Try aud
bring the craft round, by taking her out of stays.
cutting away her rigging. or some other des
perate process; but The best way is TO some
times jusiiiabIe to dip her jb well into the
W wster, 10 The purpose Of keeping her steady.
III the domestic storm threatens TO be disagree
ably durable. and The squall continues. it may
be advisable TO lower the gaf, by reefGg the
throat rope or casting under the jaws, and
make all taut and quiet. This process is term
ed, IN nautical phraseoloey, bending spauker;
and there is no doubt that the most formidable
spa mixer may be bent by firm adoption of the
plan suggested, IL she lsbors much. you can
ease the throa, rope, so as to give room for
-verything TO work fairly alofi; bat il you see
squall getting up, clew her down Immediate ".
Punch.