A number of model results from a high-resolution, barotropic, homogenous ocean model are presented which indicate new roles for eddies. The eddies are critical in the control of the circulation strength at high Reynolds number (i.e., when inertial effects are strong compared to friction). The eddies' importance is demonstrated by the gross difference between the time-mean and the steady-state solution. Previous studies have suggested that a vorticity flux between two gyres rotating in different directions can reduce the strength of the circulation. This effect is observed, but appears to be important only with certain boundary conditions and for exactly anti-symmetric gyres. Other effects of eddies are often of equal or greater importance. In particular, the eddy flux of vorticity across mean streamlines to a frictional sublayer near the boundary is usually important. This vorticity flux to the boundary is much larger in a two-gyre calculation than in a single-gyre calculation because of the appearance of new modes of instability on the jet.