Trade winds in the days of sailing vessels were of great importance because they gave great assistance to
mariners going to the tropics. When once they had reached the region of the North-East trade wind (between
the Tropic of Cancer and about 30° N. Lat,) their vessels were carried swiftly towards the Equator. If
they wished to go further they made use of the currents of the South Atlantic which carried them towards the
Cape of Good Hope.
