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turn about and run along upon it until their force is expended.” However applicable this may be to the Gulf Stream, it certainly is not entirely true in reference to the Japan Stream, because the course which typhoons take is frequently from the south-east, crossing the Kuro-siwo at right-angles, and passing on to the north-west; this was the track of the most severe one which we have experienced at Yokohama for many years, and which occurred on the 24th of August 1871. It commenced with the wind from north-east, and the wind continued to blow steadily from that point until after the centre passed, when it came from the south-west.
From June to October, when there is wind from N. E. to S. E. accompanied by rain, and the barometer is steadily falling, these may be taken as almost sure signs of the approach of one of these storms. On observing these signs, it would be prudent for a ship to seek shelter if practicable in one of the numerous harbours on this coast, or, if this be impossible, to take the other alternative and make a good offing. In doing this it should be borne in mind that at such a time as the approach of a typhoon, above all others, the current is least to be depended on, and that its strength would in all probability be greatly increased should the typhoon be coming up from the south-west. On the east coast from the Gulf of Yedo northwards, from October to April inclusive, north-west winds prevail which frequently blow very hard. They are generally accompanied by clear weather, but heavy snow storms are of common occurrence in and near the Straits of Tsugar, and at these times the land becomes completely obscured even during the day. From May to June the winds are variable with a great deal of fine weather. During July and August light south and south-easterly winds may be expected, and about the autumnal equinox the fine weather breaks up. Easterly winds here, as on the south coast, are generally accompanied by bad weather.
The weather in the Japan Sea is much the same as on the east coast. North-west winds are prevalent during
