Our knowledge of the winds and currents of the Pacific is far from being so complete as that which we possess of the winds and currents of the Atlantic. Still enough has been ascertained to make us acquainted with the principal facts.
The north-east trade-wind seems to be more regular than in the Atlantic, and its northern boundary does not vary so much. From a careful comparison of the observations of the most jndicious navigators made at different seasons, it appears that in summer this wind extends to 27° N. let, in winter to 26°N. lat., and in spring only to 20° N.lat; and that from these limits it does not recede more than three degrees. The southern boundary of the north-east trade-wind varies at different seasons between 1° and II' N. lat.; the mean boundary is between 5° and 6° N. let The south-eastern trade-wind extends in winter to 254° S. 1st, and in summer to 204 S. lat. But according to numerous statements, it appears that this wind is by no means so regular along its southern border as in the Atlantic, and that it is frequently interrupted by winds from the west and south-west The northern boundary of this wind also varies considerably at different season. and under different circumstances : it may however be taken to extend generally in summer to about 24' N. lat., and in winter to nearly 4' N. lat., while in autumn It reaches beyond 54' N. lat. In spring these winds recede to one degree south of the equator. Captain B. Hall observes that towards their northern boundary these winds blow from the south, but farther south gradually draw more to the east, and at their southern limit are quite easterly.
In the Pacific the central line of the region of variable winds and calms is about six degrees north of the equator, but the boundaries vary greatly; it may however be said generally to range from 4° to 8' or 9' N. lat. In passing this region the navigator meets with calms interrupted by short squalls, and accompanied by a little rain.
The south-east trade-wind is only met with from 300 to 400 miles from the coasts of South America. In the intervening apace the wind always blows in the direction of the Andes from the south, changing during the day a few points to the west, and in the night freshening off from the land. These winds are always very light, and sometimes
interrupted by calms. North of Guayaquil the winds always blow from the south-south-east, and are steady. The north-east trade-wind is only met with at a distance of above 700 miles from the land. In the tract of sea lying between their eastern limit and the coast dif ferent winds prevail in the different seasons. From June to November, both Included, the prevailing wind is from the north-west and west ; it is very boisterous, and frequently comes in heavy gales and tornadoa nr furious squalls, which are accompanied by deluges of rain and most dangerous thunderstorms ; they are sometimes interrupted by calms. These winds set in earlier at tho eastern parts of the isthmus than in the western. At Panama they are expected in March, and at San Bias in the middle of June. During this season the navigation along this coast is very dangerous ; there are also few good harbours, and even most of them are abandoned by the inhabitants on account of their unhealthiness. In tho opposite season, from December to May included, the prevalent winds between Panama and Cape Blanco de Nicoya are north-west and northerly, and they are pretty steady. Front Cape Mum de Nicoya to some distance east of Acapulco tho windeblow from east and north-east, generally with moderate strength, but they are sometimes Interrupted by hard gales from the north-east, which are called Papayagos, and are experienced botween Cape Blanco (9° 30' S. lat.) and Cape Santa Catherine. They last for several days, with a clear sky overhead and a dense red haze near the horizon. Other gales of a similar description from the north sometimes occur in this season east of Acapulco, opposite the isthmus of Tehuautepec, whence they are called Tehuantepec gales. West of Acapulco, and from 60 to 100 miles from the land, the winds are variable ; but the prevailing winds blow between south-south-east and west-south-west. Nearer serer the coast, land and sea breezes are met with, blowing from the north-west during the day, and from north-east at night. They are experienced also east of Acapulco to a distance of about I00 miles.