CHARLES WILKES. 337 



On the coast, the wind seldom blows long from the 

 Bame quarter, but veers from southwest to north- 

 west : the gales generally begin at the former quarter 

 and end at the latter. Previous to the southwest 

 gales, it would, therefore, in all cases, be advisable, 

 when indications of their occurrence are visible, 

 (which are known by the banks of cumuli in that 

 quarter some twenty-four hours previously,) to stand 

 to the southward and westward in preference, with 

 as much sail as well can be carried, that when the 

 change occurs you may be ready to stand on the 

 other tack to the northward. One thing every 

 navigator ought to bear in mind : that it requires all 

 the activity and perseverance he may be possessed 

 of, to accomplish it quickly. 



" On the 20th we took our final leave of these 

 waters, and on the 21st lost sight of land, passing 

 to the northward of the island of Diego Ramieres." 



The squadron having entered the port of Valpa- 

 raiso, its officers explored the interior of the coun- 

 try, and continued their scientific researches. At 

 the same time they scrutinized the social habits and 

 peculiarities of the people. Captain Wilkes thus 

 describes some of the latter: "The Chilians are 

 extremely fond of the dance called the Samacueca. 

 This may be called the national dance, and is in 

 vogue among the common people. It is usually 



W 29 



