386 APPENDIX. 



with double the velocity, or twenty-two and a half miles per 

 day* ; and that in the intermediate space, where light variable 

 winds prevailed, there obtained a strong current, which ran 

 in a contrary direction to both these, at the rate of thirteen 

 miles per day. 



It appears from numerous observations that in both hemis- 

 pheres the rate of the current is accelerated on approaching 

 the Gulf of Mexico ; and as my route was rather more to the 

 westward than that usually pursued, the above-mentioned ave- 

 rage rates are greater, probably, than will be experienced un- 

 der ordinary circumstances. 



REMARKS ON THE PASSAGE FROM RIO DE JANEIRO ROUND 

 CAPE HORN TO CONCEPTION. 



August Ybto October 8. 



This passage was unusually long, owing to the prevalence 

 of contrary winds, particularly in the vicinity of the River 

 Plate. We sailed from Rio de Janeiro on the night of the 

 15th August, with a westerly wind, the Corcovado and Sugar 

 Lroaf capped with clouds. On the 16th, the wind shifted to 

 the eastward ; and towards night a gale suddenly arose, ac- 

 companied with thunder and lightning. The flashes of light- 

 ning passed frequently between the masts ; and latterly the 

 electrical fluid settled upon the mast-heads and topsail-yard- 

 arms, and remained there for fifteen minutes. We had been 

 warned of the approach of this storm by the appearance of the 

 sky and a few flashes of lightning, and reduced our sail in 

 time, otherwise it might have done much mischief from the 

 suddenness and violence with which it commenced. This 

 breeze went round to N. and N.W. to W. by S., then to 

 S.E., S.S.W., N.W., southerly again, and S.E., E., and S. 

 by W., until the 25th, the weather being gloomy, and the 

 winds light or of moderate strength. 



On the 25th, in latitude 36o and longitude 48o W., we en- 

 countered the first pampero, which came on with a heavy 

 squall from S. S.W. attended with rain. For nine days we 

 had these winds ; during which time we could seldom carry 



* All the rates are averages. 



