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Velocity of the Wind

The following Table, which gives some particulars respecting the VELOCITY OF THE WIND, was calculated by Mr. John Smeaton, the celebrated engineer, and is founded on a correct series of practical observations :- ........... ............ ..........

Miles per hour. 1 2 3 4 5 .. 10 15 ....... .......... ......... 20 ........... 25 30 35 ........ ......... ......... 40 .. ......... 45 50 ........ 60 80 ............ ........ 100 Feet per second. 1.47 2.93 } Light airs.

Breeze. 4.40 5.87 7.33 14.67 22. { Brisk gale. 29.34 36.67 Fresh gale. .. 40.01 51.34 Strong gale. 58.68 66.01 Hard gale. .......... 73.35 88.02 } Storm. 117.36 Hurricane, tearing 146.70 up trees, &c.

We conclude this chapter with a poetical enumeration of the benefits arising from the wind :- "Of what important use to human kind, To what great ends subservient, is the wind!

Where'er the aërial active vapour flies, It drives the clouds, and ventilates the skies; Sweeps from the earth infection's noxious train, And swells to wholesome rage the sluggish main.

For should the sea unagitated stand, Death, with huge strides, would desolate the land; The scorching sun, with unpropitious beam, Would give to grief an everlasting theme; And baneful vapours, lurking in the veins, Would fiercely burn with unabating pains.

Nor thus alone air purifies the seas.

O'er torrid climes it pours the healthful breeze:

Climes where the sun direct flings scorching day Feel cooling air his sultry rage allay; Unceasing goodness, with unceasing skill, Educing certain good from seeming ill.

His guardian care extends o'er ev'ry shore, And blends his favours with what men deplore The sable nations hence, and burning skies, See luscious fruits in varying beauty rise; Spontaneous Nature laugh at culture's toil, And rich luxuriance bless the grateful soil.*