NAUTICAL REMARKS. 409 



winds, with mucJi bad weather and long seas from the north- 

 ward, and did not arrive in England until fifty-one days after 

 our departure from Rio. Had we been farther westward when 

 the N.E. trade failed, the passage would have been shortened, 

 and as at this season N.W. winds prevail on the coast of Ame- 

 rica, I should endeavour on another occasion to arrive at a 

 more westerly longitude before I outran the trade-wind. 



The current in this passage was very different to that which 

 we experienced on the outward voyage, and was no doubt 

 influenced by the strong S.W. winds. From the tropic of 

 Capricorn to the equator it ran N. 880 W. a hundred and 

 fifty-one miles, or ten miles per day, and from that latitude 

 to the termination of the S.E. trade S. 660 W. twenty-five 

 miles a day. Here we encountered the winds from the west- 

 ward, which, while they lasted, occasioned a current to the 

 eastward at the rate of twenty-six miles a day. With the 

 N.E. trade there was very little in any direction. 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE COAST OF CHILI. 



CONCEPTION. 



During the summer months southerly winds prevail along 

 this coast, and occasion a strong current to the northward. It 

 is advisable, therefore, to make the land well to the southward 

 of the port, unless certain of reaching it before night. Punta 

 Rumena appears to me to be a preferable land-fall to that of 

 Saint Mary's Island, which has been recommended, as it may 

 be seen considerably further, and has no danger lying off" it. 

 But should the latter be preferred, it may be known by its 

 contrast to the mainland, in having a flat surface and perpen- 

 dicular cliffs, as well as by a remarkable peaked rock off its 

 N.W. extremity*. If the port cannot be reached before dark, 

 it would be advisable to bring to the wind, between Saint 

 Mary's and the Paps of Bio Bio, as there will almost always 

 be found a southerly wind in the morning to proceed with. 

 In doing this, take care of the Dormido Bank, lying off the 



* This rock bears S. 53" 08' W. true, from the Look-out Hill, Talca- 

 huana, and is 24' 48'' W. of it. Its latitude is 32° .58' 10" S., as found 

 by Mr. Forster. 



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