CHAPTER III. 



THESE can be no question that this channel is of 

 great benefit to men-of-war, whether outward 

 or homeward bound, especially to small and 

 handy ships, but for the long steamers trading 

 to the Pacific the advantage is very question- 

 able. The harbours are generally too small for 

 them to turn in, there is no anchorage in the 

 main channel, and it is not always safe to 

 proceed during the night, the tides are strong 

 and irregular; consequently, beyond securing 

 more comfort to the passengers, and a saving 

 in wear and -tear to the ship, they would gain 

 little ; on the other hand, they run considerable 

 risk, and probably lose time. In the Magellan 

 Straits there are no difficulties or dangers, and 



