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National Geographic : 1890 Jul
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The Law of Storms. THE LAW OF STORMS, CONSIDERED WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC. BY EVERETT HAYDEN. (Abstract of a paper read before the National Geographic Society, Nov. 15, 1889.) IN preparing an abstract of this paper it is of course difficult to adhere very closely to the original, inasmuch as that was illus trated by forty-five lantern slides, while it is only practicable to present a few plates with this abstract. I may therefore be per mitted to give only a general outline of the subject, with perhaps a more detailed discussion of one or two of the most notable recent hurricanes off our Atlantic coast. The term "Law of Storms" is applied to the code of rules that should govern the action of the master of a vessel when he has reason to suspect the approach of a dangerous storm. It will be seen that this definition, like the code itself, is somewhat vague. So many considerations enter as factors in the question that it is wholly impossible to lay down any rules that shall be applicable alike to a high-powered, well-manned steamship, and to a heavily-laden, poorly-equipped and short-handed sailing ves sel. Disregarding such differences of conditions (which are, of course, of vital importance in each individual case, but which cannot be discussed in a brief general essay), the two grand divisions of the subject may be compared to grand strategy and field tactics. By this I mean that a broad, comprehensive view of the whole subject of ocean storms-their regions, seasons, size, severity, and tracks-is one very important part of the navi gator's duty in planning a long campaign, or voyage; and, secondly, the handling of his vessel when actually in the fight-the cool ness, clear-headedness, and trained experience that utilizes every resource of the best seamanship and navigation in a fearful strug gle with the fury of a hurricane-all of these are also an essential part of the education of the ideal sea-captain. Thanks to the progress of meteorologic research it is compar atively easy nowadays for anyone to get a very good general idea 199
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