Winton.
_The "Mistral."_--There is an old French proverb which says:
"Trois fléaux en Provence,
Le Parlement, le Mistral, la Durance."
The first of these scourges has disappeared: the third will probably
last for ever: but what of the second?
The _Mistral_ is a kind of whirlwind (partaking of the character of the
African simoon, or of the West Indian hurricane), which pays its annual
visits to Provence, and causes the most frightful devastation along the
banks of the Rhone. It is spoken of by Seneca, and other writers of his
time; and the Emperor Augustus is said to have raised a temple to it
during his residence in Gaul.
Has any attempt been made, in this age of scientific advancement, to
explain the causes of the _Mistral_? Perhaps Sir William Reid, from his
present position and opportunities, as Governor of Malta, may be induced
to turn his attention to the subject. An attempt to investigate the
origin of this phenomenon, coupled with an historical sketch of its
progress and effects, would form a valuable chapter in any future
edition of his work on the _Law of Storms_.