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similar to that which is experienced by the inhabitants of
the Malabar and Coromandel coasts, occasioned by the
mountain range that is extended from Cape Comorin along the
Peninsula of Indus: For what are called Shedding-Winds
generally blow on the contrary sides of this mountain from
opposite quarters; also the rains which come from the
Atlantic, and those which drive from the German Ocean,
seldom extend with any great power beyond its summits, being
sometimes entirely spent and exhausted upon them: so that
Northumberland, and the corresponding parts of Cumberland,
however similar in many respects, may in this be considered
as different climates.
Upon the upper part of this lofty ridge there often rests,
in dry and sunny weather, a prodigious wreath of clouds,
involving in its whole extent, and reaching sometimes more
and sometimes less than half way from its summit to its
base; at this time, the other mountains in different
quarters are for the most part clear of mist, nor are there
any signs of rain. This mighty collection of vapour exhibits
an appearance uncommonly grand and solemn; whether we regard
its different shades descending from that gleaming whiteness
with which the sun tinges the volumes of its upper surface,
to that indiscriminate gloominess which to the distant
spectator renders the plains beneath almost invisible; or
the tranquillity which it preserves amidst the commotion
issuing from it, and the currents of air which must be
supposed to prevail in the higher regions of the atmosphere.
Or, again, if we consider its vast bulk, which
notwithstanding still represents the form of the mountain
(corresponding with its elevations and depressions) so that
the boldest head of Cross-fell, which is somewhat to the
northward of the middle part of its range, is still
distinguishable even in its Helm; for such is the
name of that heap of vapour from which the wind of which we
are treating issues. When this heap first gathers upon the
hill, there is seen above it a black streak of cloud
continually flying off, and continually fed from the white
one, which is the real Helm: this is called the
Helm-bar, from its being supposed to bar or obstruct
the winds that burst forth upon the vallies beneath as soon
as it wholly vanishes: its direction is parallel to that of
the white cloud, and it seems in continual motion, as if
boiling, or at least agitated by a violent wind; and indeed
the wind which really does follow its removal is sometimes
prodigious violent, varying with respect to the extent of
territory which it affects, in proportion to the force and
direction of what I shall here call the Real Winds.
Sometimes when these are its direct antagonists, and in full
force, it does not reach further than two or three miles;
nor do I know, that, even without such impediment, it ever
extends further than thirteen or fourteen; being interrupted
in its progress by the vis inertiae of the air at large, or
by some cause arising from the impulse of contrary currents.
However, though it always bears a certain proportion to the
force and direction of the real winds, its own intrinsic
force is not always equal, nor is it found so, even at the
foot of the hill; where, on account of the shortness of its
course, the action of contrary currents, or the resistance
of the air, cannot be supposed to have had any material
effect in changing the degree of its power, or of
interrupting its progress. It may however be remembered as a
truth, that, near the base of the mountain, it is at times
excessively strong, bearing almost every thing before it,
though at a distances of a few miles it is not felt at all.
Such is the Helm-Wind generated in that enormous cloud,
which, like a helmet covers the summit of Cross-fell. It is
here particularly favoured by circumstances; for on one side
there is a plain of above thirty miles in breadth in some
places, and on the other no hills to rival that from whence
it comes. This wind is not much taken notice of in natural
history; yet the Dutch, by the iron chains with which they
are obliged to moor their ships at the Cape of Good-Hope,
bear ample testimony to the fury of such an one. It hath
been met with by late voyagers in the South-seas; it is said
to have been felt in the Straits of Gibraltar; and I doubt
not but mariners and travellers have found it in many other
places, though they may not have observed it with care, or
may have given it different names. I apprehend that the
land-breeze in the West Indies, though less violent and more
regular, is similar to it; and I doubt not but there may be
a helm-wind from almost every hill covered with a cloud in
certain kinds
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