On the Navigation of Cape Horn. 57 



ond delays incidental to the westerly gales, by attempting to ride 

 them out in the vicinity of the Cape, where they are always most vi- 

 olent. The range of these gales, is frequently passed, by standing 

 two or three degrees to the southward of St. John's. 



The early navigators followed the " inshore" passage. Those who 

 came after them, in more modern times, steered more to the south, 

 and were sometimes favored with fair winds and speedy passages. 

 Those who were fortunate, approved of the plan, and in the pride of 

 success, they recommended others to pursue the same route, arguing 

 that although the distance was greater, yet the passage was shortened, 

 by having favorable breezes and a smooth sea. In the present day, 

 there are those who sail by both routes, and make short passages, 

 showing that the preference should sometimes be given to the one, 

 and at other times, and under other circumstances, to the other. 



Those who go the " inshore" passage, keep close in with the land. 

 When the wind is fair they go to the north of Diego Ramirez ; nev- 

 er to the south of it, further than ten or twelve leagues, if they can 

 avoid it. Supposing this cleared, they continue on due west, upon 

 the same parallel, as far as 85° of longitude; thence upon that me- 

 ridian due north, to lat. 40° S. whence they shape their course direct- 

 ly for the port of destination. When the wind is favorable, they pass 

 through the straits of Le Maire ; but this should be done only when 

 they are likely to be embayed, or when they are swept under the 

 land so that they cannot pass to the east of Staten Land, without 

 loss of time, and probably of a fair breeze. 



A vessel may enter the straits, with a favorable breeze, and under 

 every appearance of good weather, and in coming through, be met 

 by a gale from the south east, which would place her on a lee shore, 

 and in a very critical situation. The possibility of taking this gale, 

 is a good reason why vessels should go around St. Johns, in prefer- 

 ence to passing through the straits of Le Maire, when they are free to 

 choose either. 



If a gale from the westward, be encountered off Staten Land, they 

 seek refuge from its violence, under the lee of the island, and " heave" 

 or " lay to" in smooth water, until the gale abates. If they be fur- 

 ther to the westward, before they meet it, they "lay to" on either 

 tack, preserving the latitude in which they may be at the time of ta- 

 king it, as near as practicable. After the gale has passed over, they 

 stand again to the westward. On nearing the Cape the second time, 

 they run the same risk of meeting an adverse gale, that they did when 



Vol. XXVI.— No. 1. 8 



