Year: 1878

driven in the same direction. The
equilibrium Of the seas being thus dis
turbed, the effort to regain it give rise
TO the network Of oceanic currents that
has in later years been mioldcd. The
general effect of those mighty streams,
which are vastly greater than all the
rivers of the world combined, is to carry
tropical heat into cold seas and lands,
and to induce corresponding currents of
cool waters from the frozen regions Of
the earth toward the burning shores of
the tropics Thus they aid in mitiga-
ting the rigors of extreme heat and colo, ,
and in equalizing the distribution of
warmth through the nations Skillful
navigators make a close study of the
oceanic currents, and either seek aid
within them or keep clear, according to
the direction Of their voyages. The
passage from this country to Europe is
faster than the contrary one, owing to
the assistance rendered by the eastward
movement Of the Gulf Stream. The
necessity that exists for correct knowl-
edge of the geography of the Gulf
Stream is deepened by the fact that con
current calculations must be made as to
the location of favorable wind-belts.
Should the mariner be bafled in locating
the stream, his speculations as to the
wind would be correspondingly upset
Hence the profound interest that at
taches to every discovery, however
slight, concerning the correctness Of the
location of the oceanic current.


Should the views of Captain Coffin
prove to be correct, an immediate
change in the chart of the stream will
become necessary. We must not lose
sight of the fact, however, that a local
hurricane could divert the great cur
rent from its accustomed route. 1t is
not improbable that belt of northerly
wind might send the stream aside.
Again, there is the probability that the
margins of the stream-especiall y where
they are not well defned-as is the case
in midocean, are liable to fluctuaue at
different seasons of the year. Should
this prove to be the case a novel and
interesting department of research will
be opened up, and the variations of
oceanic currents will be investigated,
and the results treasured by degrees,
until, at length, the dangers of ocean
travel will he reduced to minimum.
In this way the observations of Captain
Coffin will prove a boon to the world of
navigation-of science itself.


The American Government has done
much to explore the devious windings of
the stream. In connection with the
coast survey, extensive observations
we're taken between the parallels of
twenty htand forty-two degrees north
LATITUDE, and siXty-fve to eighty-one
degrees of longitude. Thus n section of
the stream from Cape Canaverel to a
line drawn to Cape Cod perpendicular to
its course, was accurately surveyed and
mapped. Much of this work was done
under the supervision of the lamented
Davis, whose researches shed much
light on the problems of oceanic streams.
Amusing speculations are often made as
to what would become of the stream in
case the Darien Peninsula were to be
cut through with canal, A hundred
such canals would not be a sufficient out
let for the stream. The danger of a
rapid current through the canal could
be obviated by couple of gates at
either end. In any case the statement
of the Dirigo's Captain will stimulate
investigation, and shed new light on
the question of the true direction of the
Of ronn