PREFACE.

Numerous observations have been made, and journals kept of the wind and the weather: but even complete sets of such observations will afford little instructions; unless they are regularly tabled, and offered to the mind in some tolerable order. Perhaps it would not be amiss, if all the observations of this kind were ranged under the following heads; or, if these be insufficient, under others of the same general kind; that their doctrine might be drawn out, better acquaintance cultivated with the subject. This would be making that use of the present history which the author encourages, and plainly intended.

and a

Yet, notwithstanding his post, and employments, he has set on foot such a method of enquiries as opens the widest field to the labours of others. His single History of Winds sufficiently demonstrates his incredible capacity and diligence; by the clue and direction whereof, infinite remarks and observations may be made, appertaining to this subject. Morhof. in Polyhist. Tom. II. Cap. 23. de Meteoris Aereis, præcipue de Ventis, page 381.

INTRODUCTION.

THE Winds may be called the wings of mankind; by means whereof men fly through the sea, and maintain traffic and correspondence with all the parts of the globe. They are also the sweepers of man's habitation, the earth; and at the same time brush and cleanse the air about it. On the other hand, they sometimes tear up and enrage the sea, that would otherwise remain quiet or undestructive; and have likewise other mischievous effects. Again, they produce strong and violent motions, without human assistance; and thus, as servants to mankind, drive our ships, and turn our mills. They might also be applied to abundance of other useful purposes; if men would exert their diligence. The nature of the winds is usually reckoned an occult and secret thing; and no wonder, whilst the nature and power of the air, which the winds administer to and wait upon; (as in the language of the poets, Æolus does on Juno) remain absolutely unknown. They are not primary creatures, or of the first six days works, as to their action; no more than the other meteors; but were produced later in the order of crea tion.

A

DRAUGHT

FOR THE PARTICULAR HISTORY

OF THE

WIND, &c.

SECT. I.

THE TABLE OF ENQUIRY: OR A SET OF HEADS FOR THE PARTICULAR HISTORY OF THE WIND WITH THE CONDUCT TO BE OBSERVED IN THE PROSE

CUTION.

The Names of the Winds.

UNDER this title class the winds, with regard to the points of the compass, or the method observed at sea; and assign them their several names, ancient or modern; so as to denote them fixedly and invariably.

Winds are either 1. general, 2. stated, 3. serving*, or 4. free. We call those general winds,

See this term explained under Sect. v.

which never cease to blow; those stated winds, which blow only at certain times; those serving winds, which blow oftenest; and those free winds, which blow indifferently at all times.

General Winds.

Enquire whether there be any general winds, and genuine motions of the air itself; and if there be, in what series of motion, and in what places they blow.

Stated Winds.

Enquire what winds are annual, and periodical, and in what countries; and whether there be any winds so precisely stated, as to return regularly at certain days and hours, like the tide of

the sea.

Serving Winds.

Enquire what winds are waiting and familiar, or most constant to what countries; at what times they blow in those countries: which in the spring; which in the summer; which in the autumu; which in the winter; which are equinoctial; which solstitial; which blow in the morning; which at noon: which in the evening; and which at night.

Again, enquire which are sea-winds; and which blow from the continent: and exactly ob.