14» A VOYAGE TO Book IV. 



deed, they have an extraordinary itrength, being felt 

 even to the ifland of Plata. But their greateft force 

 is gradually increafed as we approach nearer to Pa- 

 nama. Thefe winds, which blow from between the 

 N. and N. E. clear the atmofphere, free the coaft 

 from fogs, and are not attended with tempefis of 

 rain ; but frequently fo fqually, efpecially between 

 Cape Francifco and the Bay of Panama, that, without 

 particular care and the utmoft difpatch in putting 

 the ihip in a proper condition, they are often dan- 

 gerous. 



At the period of the brifas, the fures or fouth 

 winds begin to blow ; and, when fettled, are more 

 violent than the former. But they do not, as many 

 have imagined, blow always precifely from the fouth ; 

 for they Ihift from the S. E. even to the S. W. and 

 their diflance from the S, is obferved to be greateft 

 at particular times. When they incline to the S. E. 

 which is the land fide, they are accompanied with^ 

 violent, but happily fhort, tempefis of wind and rain. 

 The ihips which trade from the coafis of Peru and 

 Guayaquil to Panama, generally fail during the fures, 

 in order to take the benefit of the north wind at their 

 return ; and, by that means, their voyages are eafily 

 and expeditioufly performed. Sometimes, indeed, 

 they fail with other winds, though they are generally 

 longer at fea, in order to reach Paita ; but often this 

 diligence, or rather avarice, is fo far difappointed, that 

 they are obliged to put in at Tumaco, Acames, 

 Manta, or Punta de Santa Elena, for provifions and 

 water. 



These are the principal winds in this pafi!age ; and 

 whatever changes may fometimes happen, they are 

 liot of any continuance, the fettled wind foon reco- 

 vering its place. 



The currents, in thefe parts, ane not fo regular as 

 the winds ; for, during the brifas, the waters run 

 from Morro de Puercos S. W. and W. to the 



height 



