Cyclone

Is the term given to violent revolving storms usually accompanied by very heavy rains, that take their rise in tropical and subtropical Latitudes; which differ from ordinary storms, not only in their greater force, but also in the peculiarity of their compound motion. While ordinary storms usually move in a direct or sjightly curved line, the Cyclone has a rotary motion round its own centre, with a velocity as great as 120 miles per hour; and the centre of gyration (at which there is no wind) is at the same time progre ing in a straight, or more or le curved course, with a speed of two to fourteen miles an hour; travelling along till its greatest force is spent, and it is then reduced to an ordinary gale. According to the regions where these atmospheric disturbances prevail, they are known under different names; they are called in the West Indies: „ Hurricanes ”, occuring from August to October; — in the China seas: „ Typhoons ”, May to October; — on the West-coast of Africa: „ Tornados ”, April to July; — near the Mauritius: