18 ADMIRALTY INSTRUCTIONS. 



" The first point to which your orders advert, 

 after quitting England, is the Eight Stones, where 

 you will probably add one to the many testimonies 

 which have been already collected of their non- 

 existence, at least in the place assigned to them in 

 the old charts ; but, before we venture to expunge 

 them, it becomes a serious duty to traverse their 

 position in every possible direction. Should the 

 weather be favourable, it would be desirable, while 

 crossing their parallel, to obtain one very deep cast 

 of the lead, and should that succeed in reaching 

 the bottom, the sacrifice of a few days will be well 

 bestowed in endeavouring to trace a further portion 

 of the bank. A small chart, shewing the tracks of 

 various ships across this place, is hereto annexed, 

 and as the meridian of 16** 22' nearly bisects the 

 two adjacent courses, you are recommended to cross 

 their parallel in that longitude. 



" From the Canary Islands to the coast of Brazil, 

 and indeed throughout every part of your voyage, 

 you should endeavour to pass over the places of all 

 the reported Vigias which lie near your course, 

 either outward or homeward. You will perceive a 

 multitude of them carelessly marked on every chart, 

 but of some you will find a circumstantial de- 

 scription in that useful publication, the Nautical 

 Magazine, and a day devoted to the search of any, 

 which will not withdraw you too far from your due 

 course, will be well employed. 



" The rocks off Cape Leeuwin, some near King 



