It is said that fifty-four years constitute a complete cycle
for the prevailing winds, and that in each such cycle there are three periods (each four years in duration) of deficiency of east wind, and the same number of periods of excess of east wind, and similarly, also, of deficiency and excess of west wind,—the periods of mere deficiency of east wind being apparently counted as distinct from those of excess of west wind. Thus, we are told, that 1806-1809 inclusive was a quadrennial period of excess of west wind, and that the fifty-four year cycle having elapsed, 1860-1863 inclusive, has, in strict accordance with the rule, been also marked by excess of west wind. If this law be true, we are to emerge, on New Year's Day, 1864, into a period of excess of east wind, when the -winters will be cold, dry, and calm, and the springs horrible with blighting east winds. If this be true, it would account for the west wind enjoying his last mouth of supremacy with such brutal violence as he displayed on Wednesday and Thursday last. And Christmas Day, it is predicted, is to be equally boisterous. Never- theless, if the prophet be true, we shall be regretting the expiration of his reign before April.
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