Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1873-07-17
The Laws Of Domestic Storms.

devoting themselves to the study OF
storms in general, we propose investiga-
ting chat particular branch of the subject
whickis applicable to everyday life; for
a knowledge of the theory and causes Of
domestic storms must be useful to all
classes of the community.
1t was on contemplating the ruin
caused by domestic hurricane, in the
midst of China, that the writer first con-
ceived the idea of giving his head to
subject about which his head had been
broken more than once, though he had
never before thought collecting togeth-
er the results Of his experience. He had
observed that the various domestic
storms he had encountered, as mate OF a
very troublesome craft, though some
times sudden and furious, had generally
s,me determined cause, and frequently
took the same direction, by concentrating
towards himself all their violence. He
resolved, therefore, on keeping log, or
journal, il which he noted down, from
hour to hour, the state, of the craft to
which he acted as mate-with the nom
inal rank of commander. He described
her condition under slight breeze, her
behavior in rough water; the effect pro-
duced upon her by all sorts of airs; and,
in fact, he collected such information,
that he thought any iudicious mate,
attached to similar craft, would find lit
tie difficulty in her management.
One of the curiosities Of this domestic
experience, is the fact, that the same
hurricanes prevail at about the same
periods of the year; and it is remarkable
that though the wind seems to be raised
with immense difficulty about Christmas
time, domestic storms are most prevalent
at that period.
These storms are not felt to operate
severely on those who are provided with
heavy balance, which prevents the
agitating influence Of those fearful ups
and downs which are met with at the
time alluded TO-.
Those who are protected by the shelter
of bank are comparatively safe in these
storms; though the less substantial craft'
unable to meet an unusually heavy draft,
will frequently be found incapable oi
keeping the head above water.
tits a singular fact, that domestic'
like other storms, prevail in circles; and
indeed, there is no circle in which they
are not to be found for they visit the
family circle, the higher circles, and the
lower circles, with almost equal REGULAR
ty.
A thorough understanding Of the do.
mestic hurricane is of course inraluab C
to master having the charge Of one Of
the weaker vessels, for it enables HIM to
perceive the storm coming on, and to pass
out of it. A domestic storm is generally
preceded by a great deal of putting and
blowing, which leads more or less grad
u1lly to a regular blow-up; nnd the craft
will frequently begin to heave in every
direction. Some masters cndearor to
meet the storm BY heaving to- bat ths
often doubles. without subduipg, its vio.
l"nce. The damage done during dom
este storm of this nature is always very
great, and family wreck is not un-
frequently the sad consequence.
The approach of a domestic storm is
indicated in many ways. Some masters
(so-called) are quick at noting these signs,
while others arc overwhelmed with the
blast, before they suspect even its ap-
proach. When the craft is one of the
light, trim, fast clippers, her top rigging
will be drawn tight; an icy look will APP
pear about the cut of her jib; there
will be a sharp, jerky motion communica'
ted to all objects .n board the craft the
breeze, at first, will be comparatively
gentle, but 60 op gradually rising in force
until the hurricane breaks with fury
upon the heads of all aboard. Sometimes
it is commenced by an agitation of the
the furniture, Pals brooms, aour.eothes
scrubbing brushes, are in carly rquisition
The water sloshcs over everything. The
master, if wise, will take an early chance
to escape. Let him take refuge in the
smooth waters of his club.
The numerous different airs that pre-
vail, and form, as it were, the elements
of a domestic storm, would form a long
and hmcntable chapter of themselves
but VIC give the heads of few of the
principal. Sometimes storm begins
with srihing airs, but these often increase
suddenly to squall of the most alarming
character. Sometimesa storm commen-
ces With, vapors, which by degrees dis
solvs iate,moisture, and squal springs
up, accompanied by torrents o. tear'
rushing down the face of naturar or i'll.
nature, with fearful fury. A storm Of
this kind passes over more quickly than
some of the other sorts, though the craft