VOL. LXXXIII.] PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. 329 



the west of Cape Finisterre, by the reckoning ; but by the time-keepers, more 

 than 4%. 



The following remarks obviously occur, on the effect of this current. 

 1st. Whatever may be the breadth of the stream, if a ship crosses it very 

 obliquely, that is, in an e. by s., or more southerly direction (as may easily 

 happen, on finding herself too far to the northward, at the first place of obser- 

 vation, after she gets into the current), she will of course continue much longer 

 in it, and will be more affected by it, than if she steered more directly across it. 

 She will be in a similar situation if she crosses it with light winds; and both of 

 these circumstances should be attended to. And if it be true, as I suspect it is, 

 that the eastern border of the current has a more northerly direction than the 

 middle of it, this also should be guarded against. I conceive also, that the 

 stream is broader in the parallel of Scilly, than farther south. And here we may 

 remark, that those who, from a parallel south of Scilly, have been carried clear 

 of it to the north, when approaching it, in the night, may esteem themselves 

 fortunate that the current was so strong ; for had it been weaker, they might 

 have been carried on the rocks. 



2d. A good observation of latitude at noon would be thought a sufficient 

 warrant for running eastward, during a long night : yet as it may be possible to 

 remain in the current long enough to be carried from a parallel that may be 

 deemed a very safe one, to that of the rocks of Scilly, in the course of such a 

 night ; it would appear prudent, after experiencing a continuance of strong 

 westerly gales in the Atlantic, and approaching the channel with light southerly 

 winds, either to make Ushant, or at all events to keep in the parallel of 48° 45', 

 at the highest. If they keep in 49° 30', they will experience the whole effect 

 of the current, in a position where they can least remedy the evil : but if in 

 48° 45' they are assailed by the north-west current, they are still in a position 

 whence a southerly wind will carry them into the channel. But all ships that 

 cross the Atlantic, and are bound to the eastward of the Lizard, had better make 

 Ushant under the above circumstances, in times of peace. Or, at all events, 

 why should they run in a parallel in which they are likely to lose ground ? 



3d. Ships bound to the westward, from the mouth of the channel, with the 

 wind in the south-west quarter, so that it may appear indifferent which tack 

 they go on, should prefer the larboard tack ; as they will then have the benefit 

 of the current. 



4th. I understand that the light-house of Scilly is efther removed, or to be 

 removed, to the south-west part of the islands ; or of the high rocks. This is 

 certainly a wise measure ; as the light should be calculated more particularly for 

 ships that have a long, than a short departure ; like those from any part of the 

 European coasts, to the northward, or eastward. The light-house ought also 



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