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ical for over 2,000 miles. The “Japan Stream” is also both warmer and salter than the surrounding waters, as is the “Gulf Stream.” But they differ from each other in as much as, while the main body of the Gulf Stream finds its way into the Arctic seas, only a small arm of the Japan Stream does so. This arm known as the Kamchatcka current flows through the Behring Straits, and it leaves the main body in about latitude 38° N., and longitude 150° E. The main current flowing in an easterly and south-easterly direction, is ultimately lost in the drift current of the Pacific. The Gulf Stream is also noted for its beautiful blue colour, while the Japan Stream is dark in colour, hence the name which has been given it of “Kuro-siwo” or Black Stream.
The Kuro-siwo, or Japan Stream, is a portion of the great equatorial current of the Pacific. The greatest strength of this current is found between the parallels of 10° and 20° of north latitude, and is believed to be occasioned by the north-east trade winds in that ocean. This current, having its source about the middle of the Pacific, flows along in a westerly direction until it nears the eastern coast of Luzon and the Bashee Islands. When it reaches this locality, its waters are, in the summer time or during the presence of the S. W. monsoon, considerably augmented from the China Sea. In winter or during the N. E. monsoon on the contrary the equatorial current is considerably drained; a portion of it Joining the drift current forced down the China Sea by the N. E. winds. This portion, when it leaves the main current, flows through the various channels between the Phillipine Islands and Formosa. It will therefore be seen that the volume and breadth of the equatorial current in this region depend, in a great measure, upon the prevailing winds in the China Sea—they being increased during S. W. winds and lessened during N. E. winds.
From Luzon the current which may now be known by the name of the Japan Stream flows northward passing between Formosa and the Meiaco-sima group, after which it turns to the north-east and strikes upon the south point
