Page:History of the Royal Society.djvu/182

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160
The HISTORY of

priated curiously, may easily deceive a too hasty Believer.

Q. 5.Whether it be true, that upon the Coast of Achin in Sumatra, the Sea, though it be calm, groweth very high when no Rain falls, but is smooth in Rain, though it blows hard?

A. Sometimes, but not always; the Reason is this, that Achin lyeth at the very End and Corner of Sumatra, as may be seen by the Map, open in the main Ocean, so that the Sea comes rowling from the Cabo de bona Esperanza, and all that way unto it, and it is natural to the Sea to have a continual Motion, let it be ever so calm; which Motion cannot be called a Wave, neither have I any English for it at present, but in Dutch we call it, Deyninge van Dee Zee, and the calmer it is, the higher; the natural Motion of the Sea elevates very slowly the Water; so that I have seen Ships and Junks tossed by these Deynings in a calm, (when there is scarce Wind enough to drive a Bubble) that a Man can scarce stand in them; some say this Motion proceeds from boisterous Winds at Sea far distant. That Rain beats down the swelling of these Deynings (especially if it be vehement) proceeds naturally from its Weight and Impetuosity. And it is observed, that about Achin the Mountains are high and steep, from whose Tops boisterous Winds, called Travant, come suddenly (like a Granado-cast) falling into the Sea, are accompanied commonly with a great Shower of Rain, and last not above a Quarter, or at the most, half an Hour, which is too short a Time to disturb the Sea, or to cause a contrary Motion in it, being shelter'd by these Mountains.

Q. 6.Whether in the Island of Sambrero, which lyeth Northwards of Sumatra, about eight Degrees

Northern