PAPER AND STATIONERY

Warehouse.

JOHN G. HODGE & CO.,

Cor. Sansome and Sacramento sts.,

SAN FRANCISCO.

IMPORTING AND MANUFACTURING

STATIONERS,

Keep Blank Books, Stationery, School Books,
Cheap Publications, LOG BOOKS, Shipping
Articles, Rolls of Sale of Vessels, etc., etc.

The Best Grades at Lowest Prices.

G. W. BREWER.M. P. McLAUGHLIN.

McLAUGHLIN & BREWER,

REAL ESTATE
AGENTS,

No. 328 MONTGOMERY STREET,

(Office No. 9,)

SAN FRANCISCO.

THE LAW OF STORMS:

THE VARIOUS PHENOMENA BY WHICH THEIR
APPROACH CAN BE ASCERTAINED WITH
CERTAINTY, AND PRACTICAL
DIRECTIONS TO MARINERS
FOR THE AVOIDANCE
OF THEIR FURY.

COMPILED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES

BY
CAPT. JOHN ROSS.

A. ROMAN & COMPANY,

Booksellers, Publishers and Importers,
417 and 119 Montgomery Street, San Francisco.
27 HOWARD ST., NEW YORK.

1869.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869,

By Capt. John Ross,

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States
for the Northern District of California.

Printed by SPAULDING & BARTO,
Mining and Scientific Press Job Office,
414 Clay Street, San Francisco.

[3]

In the Northern Hemisphere, when the Polar and Equatorial currents of air are alternating with each other, the regular shifting of the wind round the compass will be through S., S.W., W., N.W., N., N.E., E., S.E., S.—and the changes will take place oftener between south and west, and between north and east, than between west and north, and between east and south.

Similarly in the Southern Hemisphere, it may be inferred that when Polar currents of air alternate with Equatorial, the regular shifting of the wind round the compass will be successive through S., S.E., E., N.E., N., N.W., W., S.W., S.

This is Dove’s “Law of Gyration,” (or the law of the rotation of winds). And collecting the main points into a few general propositions, it may be laid down, that all steady winds are modified by the rotation of the earth, in such a manner that Equatorial currents of air receive a westerly deflection, and Polar currents an easterly deflection; but latitudinal currents suffer no change. The N.E. and S.E. Trade Winds are steady Polar currents. The Monsoons are alternations of a Polar and an Equatorial current, twice during the year. Therefore they are N.E. and S.W. in the Northern Hemisphere, and S.E. and N.W. in the Southern Hemisphere. [4]

The S.W. passage winds of the Northern Hemisphere, and the N.W. passage winds of the Southern Hemisphere, are Equatorial currents.

Bodies of air set in motion from a state of rest, turn the wind-vane in the direction of the meridian as follows:

The Polar current in the Northern Hemisphere from N. to E.

The Polar current in the Southern Hemisphere from S. to E.

The Equatorial current in the Northern Hemisphere from S. to W.

The Equatorial current in the Southern Hemisphere from N. to W.

In general the winds in the Northern Hemisphere are as follows:

Those from N. to E. the Polar currents.

Those from E. to S. the transition of the Polar to the Equatorial.

Those from S. to W. the Equatorial current.

Those from W. to N. the transition of the Equatorial to the Polar.

Also, in the Southern hemisphere, the winds are as follows:

Those from S. to E. the Polar currents.

Those from E. to N. the transition of the Polar to the Equatorial.

Those from N. to W. the Equatorial current.

Those from E. to S. the transition of the Equatorial to the Polar. [5]

Thus, a complete revolution of the wind-vane in the Northern Hemisphere is therefore S.W., N.E., S. with the sun, and in the Southern Hemisphere the rotation is S.E., N.W., S., with the sun, also, in that region.

When the course of a steady wind is obstructed in such a manner as to produce a Hurricane, or Cyclone, the wind has a rotary or whirling motion (as it were, on an axis), while the storm itself has a progressive motion.

N. B.—The rotation of the wind during a hurricane, in the Northern Hemisphere, is in a direction contrary to that in which the hands of a watch move. In the Southern Hemisphere, the rotation is in the same direction as that of the hands of a watch. And hence the following shiftings of the vane: In the Northern Hemisphere, when the vortex (or center) of the storm passes to the westward of the place of observation, the rotation is S.W., N.E., S., with the sun; when the vortex passes to the eastward of the place of observation, the rotation is S.E., N.W., S., against the sun.

In the Southern Hemisphere, if the vortex passes to the westward of the place of observation, the rotation is S.E., N.W., S., with the sun.

If the vortex passes to the eastward of the place of observation, the rotation is S.W., N.E., S., against the sun. [6]

On Hurricanes or Cyclones.

Thus, in both Hemispheres, the passage of an equatorial whirlwind storm on the west side of the place of observation produces normal revolutions in accordance with the law of gyration; while, on the other hand, its passage on the east side produces anomalous revolutions contrary to the law of gyration. When the vortex of a whirlwind storm passes over the place of observation, the vane may shift from one direction to that immediately opposite to it.

Generally, if the whirlwind storm is an equatorial one in the Northern Hemisphere, it progresses from S.E. to N.W. in the Torrid Zone; it recurves at the outer edge of the N.E. trade wind, and thence moves from S.W. to N.E. But in the Southern Hemisphere an equatorial storm moves first from N.E. to S.W.; recurves at the outer edge of the S.E. trade wind, and then advances from N.W. to S.E.—bearing in mind the direction of the rotation of the wind in each hemisphere, viz: against watch hands in the Northern, but with watch hands in the Southern Hemisphere. Certain portions of the storms are characterized by certain hurricane winds, and dividing the storm by diameters drawn from the northern to the southern margin, and again from the eastern to the western margin, we find that in the Northern Hemisphere, on the northern margin, the wind will be easterly; on the eastern margin, southerly; on the southern margin, westerly; and on the western margin, northerly;—each portion of the cyclone possessing its appropriate wind.

The relations of the winds to the margin in the Southern Hemisphere, will be exactly the reverse of their relation in the Northern. Thus: It is the southern margin of the storm south of the Equator, that exhibits an easterly; the western margin a southerly; the northern margin a [7] westerly, and the eastern margin a northerly wind. Hence, each portion of the hurricane having its appropriate wind, there results, according to the law of the rotation of revolving gales, a very simple rule for determining the bearing of the center of the storm from the ship, viz: Look to the wind’s eye and set its bearing by compass, the eighth point to the right thereof when in the Northern Hemisphere; but to the left of the wind’s direction when in the Southern Hemisphere, will be the bearing of the storm’s center. Thus, in the Northern Hemisphere, from an easterly wind, which characterizes the northern margin of the storm, its center will bear south; from a northerly wind the center will bear east; from a westerly wind it will bear north, and from a southerly wind, west. But in the Southern Hemisphere, from an easterly wind, the center of the storm bears north; from a southerly wind the center bears east; from a westerly wind, south; and from a northerly wind, west.

The above rule is perfectly clear and definite; but as it is especially important to avoid the center of the storm,—its most dangerous part,—the following table shows at a glance its relative bearing in each Hemisphere. [8]

[9] The path which the axis of rotation describes is not inappropriately termed the “Axis Line.” On the “Axis Line” there is no change of wind until the center has passed, when, after a brief interval of calm, the wind springs up with great fury from the opposite quarter.

It has been remarked by Piddington, “that he who watches his barometer, watches his ship.” This invaluable instrument, if well understood, invariably announces the approach of a revolving storm; shows whether the vessel is plunging into the vortex, or if she be receding from it; and hence, by carefully noticing its indications, the disastrous consequences of a hurricane may, to a great extent, be avoided,—for the laws of its oscillations are very distinctly marked. The barometer often stands unusually high before the commencement of a cyclone, and frequently (if not always) just around the storm. And conceiving the cyclone to be divided into two parts by a diameter at right angles to its path, it may be noted that the barometer always falls during the passage of the advancing semi-circle of a revolving storm. The barometer always rises during the passage of the receding semi-circle [10] of a revolving storm. In cases of manɶuvering to take advantage of the hurricane winds, and to keep just within the verge of the storm, the barometer is of signal benefit,—it should be kept as high as possible, without losing the wind. In whatever position the ship may be, the rising of the mercury announces that the first (or dangerous) half of the storm has passed.

The barometer is a faithful guide in the zone of the Trade Winds. Its ordinary variations are so small that any deviation from its normal height requires attention. Its fluctuations are larger beyond the Tropics; but the indications are scarcely less certain if used in conjunction with the thermometer and hygrometer,—hence, more watchfulness is required on the part of the navigator; and it is of the utmost importance to have such a knowledge of the Law of Storms, of storm instruments, and of the signs of the weather, as to be able to detect the presence of a hurricane or cyclone, when as yet sky and sea betoken but little of that blind fury, during the height of which it is so difficult to guide the vessel in safety. One great advantage of such knowledge is a quick apprehension of the indications which forewarn, to make all snug in time.

The meteorological signs indicating the approach of a hurricane or cyclone, have been collected from various sources by Mr. Birt, and are enumerated and classed according as the phenomena may be presented to the external sensations of feeling, sight, or hearing.

METEOROLOGICAL SIGNS RECOGNIZED
BY THE FEELINGS.

• 1. A sultry, oppressive state of the atmosphere.
• 2. A calm.

METEOROLOGICAL SIGNS RECOGNIZED
BY THE EYE.

METEOROLOGICAL SIGNS RECOGNIZED
BY THE EAR.

THE METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA ACCOMPANYING
A REVOLVING STORM MAY ALSO BE
ENUMERATED THUS:

INDICATIONS OF APPROACHING OR EXISTING
HURRICANES, MANIFESTED BY THE OCEAN,
OF ESPECIAL UTILITY TO VESSELS AT
ANCHOR IN ROADSTEADS.

The area over which these rotary storms have been known to expand, varies from 30 to 40 to 1,000 miles; but while the diameter, so long as the storm is within the tropics, expands but very gradually, it suddenly increases in a remarkable manner after recurving. The rate at which they travel on their onward course also varies greatly, not only in different parts of the globe, but even in the same locality, and at the same season. Generally, however, the rapidity with which the vortex of the hurricane progresses is greater as the storm recurves on reaching the outer edge of the trade winds. Thus, the hurricane of August, 1853, traversed 6,276 English miles in about twelve days, with a mean progressive velocity of twenty-six miles per hour; but after it arrived at the Banks of Newfoundland this velocity was increased to about fifty miles per hour.

Within the area of the cyclone the moving body of air frequently attains a rotatory velocity of from seventy to one hundred miles an hour. [15]

TABLE SHOWING THE DIFFERENT MONTHS OF THE
YEAR IN WHICH HURRICANES AND CYCLONES
HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN VARIOUS REGIONS.

From this table it appears that the hurricane seasons in the several localities are as follows:

RULES FOR TRIMMING THE SHIP IN A HURRICANE.

Piddington long ago said: “That all positive rules tend to mislead.” Every ship must have its own peculiar management depending on the four great elements of the problem, which are—

• 1. The ship and her sea room.
• 2. The track of the cyclone.
• 3. Its rate of traveling.
• 4. The ship’s run and drift.

While, on the part of the commander, caution and watchfulness are essentially requisite, still all the circumstances being favorable, rules may be given in a very brief compass for trimming a vessel to the hurricane winds. These are embodied in the following tables. Where the directions of the wind vane, as set down in the first column are tangents to the whirlwind in its course, these indicate the quarter from which the storm sets in. The points of the compass in the second [17] column show the position of the storm’s center as regards the vessel. The fourth column gives the direction in which to steer when the wind shifts as indicated in the third column; but if it shifts as indicated in the fifth column, then bear away as told in the sixth column.

I.—FOR THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE.

Transcriber’s Note:
† † † † † stands for:
“Put the ship on the Starboard Tack.”
Printed vertically in 6th col. (no column header) [18]

II.—FOR THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE.

Transcriber’s Note:
† † † † † stands for:
“Put the ship on the Starboard Tack.”
Printed vertically in 6th col. (no column header)

ADMIRAL FITZROY’S INSTRUCTIONS ON THE USE
OF THE BAROMETER IN NORTH LATITUDE.

The Barometer Rises:

For northerly wind (including from N. W. by the north to the eastward), for dry, or less wet weather, for less wind, or for more than one of these changes—except on a few occasions when rain (or snow) comes from the northward, with strong wind. [19]

A Thermometer Falls:

For change of wind towards any of the above directions.

The Barometer Falls:

For southerly wind (including from S. E. by the south to the westward) for wet weather, for stronger wind, or for more than one of these changes—except on a few occasions when moderate wind with rain (or snow) comes from the northward.

A Thermometer Rises:

For change of wind towards the upper directions only. Moisture or dampness in the air (shown by a hygrometer) increases before or with rain, fog or dew.

In south latitudes substitute south or southward for north, northward, etc.

THOMAS TENNENT,

CHRONOMETER

—AND—

NAUTICAL INSTRUMENT MAKER,

BATTERY STREET, OPPOSITE THE CUSTOM HOUSE,
SAN FRANCISCO.

ESTABLISHED IN 1850.

DEPOT FOR
U. S. Government Chronometers.

U. S. AGENCY FOR
Government Charts of Pacific Coast and Harbors.

CHRONOMETERS carefully rated by

TRANSIT OBSERVATIONS.

No Runners Employed.

Orders left at the store promptly attended to.

JAMES CURTIS & CO.,

MARINE DRUG STORE.

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

DRUGGISTS,

Corner Stewart and Market Streets,
SAN FRANCISCO.

Particular attention paid to replenishing SHIPS’ MEDICINE CHESTS with PURE MEDICINE. A good assortment of Medicine Chests always on hand and for sale at reasonable prices. Also,

PURE WINES AND LIQUORS,

Of our own importation, for sale in large or small quantities.

JAMES CURTIS & CO.

Merchants’ Mutual Marine Insurance Company
OF SAN FRANCISCO.

Organized April 8, 1863.

Capital, Paid up$500,000.

Office—406 California Street, San Francisco.

NO FIRE RISKS

Disconnected with Marine Insured by this Company.

LOSSES PAID PROMPTLY IN U. S. GOLD COIN.

Board of Directors.—C. L. Taylor, F. Roeding, Isaac E. Davis, J. B. Scotchler, A. M. Simson, James Irvine, Jabez Howes, A. L. Tubbs, C. Adolphe Low, W. J. Adams, R. E. Raimond, James P. Flint, H. B. Williams.

J. B. SCOTCHLER,  President,
JABEZ HOWES, Vice-President.

E. W. Bourne, Secretary,

This Company is Engaged Exclusively in Marine Insurance.

ALL LOSSES PAID IN UNITED STATES GOLD COIN.

THE
CALIFORNIA INSURANCE COMPANY,

Office, 318 California Street,

Three doors east from Sansome.San Francisco.

Capital paid up,$200,000.

Assets,$309,000.

C. T. HOPKINS, Pres. H. B. TICHENOR, Vice-Pres.

Z. CROWELL, Secretary.

BLAKISTON & BERWICK,

Sail Makers,

No. 6 Clay Street, near East,
SAN FRANCISCO.

Sails, Tents, Awnings, etc.,

Made to order.

SAILS REPAIRED, BOUGHT AND SOLD.

Materials furnished at the Lowest Market Prices Work done with dispatch—neatly, substantially, and on the most reasonable terms.

Orders Respectfully Solicited and Promptly Attended to.

Ship Smiths,

13 and 15 Drumm street,

(Bet. Sacramento and California)

SAN FRANCISCO.

ALL KINDS OF

Ship and Steamboat Blacksmithing

Executed at the shortest notice,

And on the most Reasonable Terms.

SAN FRANCISCO

Screw Bolt Works,

PHELPS BROTHERS, Propr’s,

Manufacturers of all kinds of

MACHINE BOLTS, BRIDGE BOLTS,
SHIP OR BAND BOLTS,

Sets of Car Bolts, Set Screws or Tap Bolts, Lag Screws,
Wrought or Cold Punched Nuts, Turn buckles,
Bolt Ends, Etc., Etc.

13 and 15 DRUMM STREET,
SAN FRANCISCO.

Steam Ship Bread

AND CRACKER BAKERY,

Manufactory, Oregon street, between Front and Davis,

Office, 441 JACKSON STREET,
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

ALL ORDERS FOR

Pilot and Navy Bread and Crackers,

Of every description promptly attended to.

BAKER’S EXTRA & SUPERFINE FLOUR FOR SALE.

THE PACIFIC

PUMP MANUFACTURING COMPANY

No. 213 California street, San Francisco.

THE AMERICAN SUBMERGED

Ship Pump.

Boston, January 17, 1868.  

Gents—I have with great interest examined your American Submerged Ship Pump in full operation. I consider it the best Pump I have ever seen, as to the steady and large volume of water delivered, its simplicity, and great labor saved, which is the desideratum on ship board. No clapper getting off. No packing. No drawing of boxes to clear the clapper, and placed below freezing point. As to force and head pumps on board ship, it cannot be equalled. It is the pump. My opinion is based upon over half a century’s experience on shipboard.

JOHN DEVEREUX,   
Surveyor American Lloyds.  

Dry Dock Company,

San Francisco, California, U. S.

Notice to Ship Owners, Agents, Consignees, and Masters

THE COMPANY’S DRY DOCKS,

Situate at HUNTER’S POINT, San Francisco, are now completed and in successful operation, and afford every facility for the Docking and Repair of all classes of STEAM and SAILING VESSELS.

THE GRAVING DOCK,

Excavated in the solid rock, and finished in the most substantial manner, is of the following dimensions: Extreme length, 450 feet, length on blocks, 416 feet; width at the top, 120 feet; depth, 30 feet; width at entrance, 90 feet. At mean high tide will take in a ship drawing 22 feet without lightening.

This Dock is fitted with a Caisson Gate, and is supplied with two powerful Centrifugal Steam Pumps, capable of pumping out the dock in two hours.

THE FLOATING DRY DOCK,

Will receive vessels of 1500 tons measurement and under. The Dock is 82 feet in width, and 210 feet in length; is built of the soundest Oregon Pine, thoroughly braced and bolted, and is furnished with all the requisites for Docking a Ship successfully. Vessels taken up at all stages of the tide.

The Company feel warranted in stating that Repairs on Vessels can be made as advantageously in San Francisco in respect to cost of materials and labor as in any other part of the world.

For particulars, address 

JAMES POLLOCK, Supt., 

San Francisco, California, U. S.

SHIPWRIGHTS, CAULKERS,

—AND—

Spar Makers.

REFER TO

Shedd & Farran; Major James T. Hoyt. Quartermaster’s Department; Lester & Co., Shipping Office; Simmons,Rowe & Co.

Yard—on Vallejo Street,

Between Front and Davis,San Francisco.

C. MOSS.D. BEADLE.

MOSS & BEADLE,

COMMISSION MERCHANTS,

326 DAVIS STREET,

Corner of Washington,San Francisco.

JACKSON’S

PACIFIC HOTEL,

Pacific st., bet. Front and Davis,
SAN FRANCISCO.

Medical and Surgical Institute, Established in 1850, by

DR. J. C. YOUNG,

(Formerly Professor of the University, Penn.)

No. 618 Sacramento st., bet. Montgomery and Kearny,
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

Consultation by letter or otherwise, free. The Doctor can be consulted privately, and with the utmost confidence, by the afflicted, at all hours, daily, from 9 A.M. until 8 P.M.

Cures always guaranteed, or no pay required.

Seminal Weakness.

I am aware that by dwelling upon so uninviting a subject as the decay of manly vigor through the loss of the vital principle of life, the ignorant may asperse my motive; but the desire to point out to those who suffer, languish and decay, the true cause of their afflictions is too great an incentive to be forced into abeyance. How extended the terrible disease of Seminal Weakness is, no one but the practical specialist, who devotes his time to its treatment can tell; but its presence can be detected by the most inexperienced by noting the following symptoms: Weakness of the back and limbs; languishing feelings; loss of muscular power; nervousness; irritability; cold feet and hands, accompanied by hot head; symptoms of consumption; short breath; flushings of the face; aversion in society; confusion of the mind; loss of memory; nightly emissions; colorless, slight discharges upon the least excitement; palpitation of the heart; irregular appetite; variable temper, etc., etc.

To the Afflicted

there is hope and certainty of relief and cure. Thousands are annually cured, without hindrance from business or change of diet. The directions are readily followed. Even a man’s most intimate companion cannot suspect of his being treated.

Persons afflicted living in the interior, can, by stating fully in a letter their symptoms, receive advice and remedies at home.

Important to Persons Afflicted with Venereal.

There are no maladies, either in a medical or moral point of view, worse than those arising from the contamination of Venereal Poison. None are more terrible in their effects, or more disastrous in their results. MERCURY will not cure VENEREAL, BUT DRIES ON THE SURFACE, TO ALLOW IT TO POISON AND DESTROY THE BLOOD, TO RE-APPEAR IN HIDEOUS MARKS UPON THE BODY, and in the throat, mouth and nose.

Having treated a great number of nautical men, the Doctor fully understands their peculiar requirements, and the medicines prescribed do not interfere with their occupation.

All letters should be addressed, Dr. BENJ. F. JOSSELYN, M. D. 618 Sacramento street, between Montgomery and Kearny, San Francisco. Box 735.

Mining and Scientific Press.

PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY,

At No. 414 Clay Street, San Francisco.

Patent Agency.

Messrs. Dewey & Co., Publishers of the MINING AND SCIENTIFIC PRESS, the only well established successful Patent Agents west of the Rocky Mountains, give Inventors and Patentees honest and reliable advice, free. The Patent Business in all its legitimate branches is transacted by us intelligently and skillfully, in an able and straightforward manner. Patents secured in EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD where Patent Laws exist. Being long established, and transacting a large business, our appointments are thorough throughout, safe, prompt and responsible. Consultations by letter or otherwise, are kept inviolately secret. Circulars containing Illustrated Mechanical Movements, and HINTS AND INFORMATION FOR INVENTORS AND PATENTEES, sent free.

DEWEY & CO.,  

Patent Agents, Publishers and Engravers,
414 Clay street, below Sansome, San Francisco.

Book and Job
PRINTERS,

(Mining and Scientific Press Office,)

414 Clay Street, San Francisco.