HUEEICANES. 247. 



of the centre, or very close to it. Only in this extreme case, and when the 

 captain is very certain of his observations, is it deemed prudent to bear up 

 and risk running before the storm in order not to be overwhelmed. In 

 performing this manoeuvre, taking into consideration the convergence of 

 the superficial or outer currents of the Cyclone, it is considered better 

 Midgment not to run directly before the wind, but to keep it always on the 

 Btarboard quarter. 



If the centre is first seen bearing E.S.E., or between East and E.S.E., 

 \t is probable that the ship is either in the track itself or in the navigable 

 Bemicircle. To lie-to, in this case, would be a loss of precious time. It 

 Would be best, therefore, to run without losing a single moment, on a course 

 Detween South and West, thus giving a chance for the Hurricane to with- 

 draw in the direction of the first or fourth quadrant, or between East and 

 West, through North. 



Finally, if the Hurricane bears East, or E.N. E., run on a course between 

 South and West, providing the wind freshens and the barometer falls. 

 This case is almost free from danger, and presents no difficulties in 

 manoeuvring, as long as the ship is well away from the coast. 



(189.) Ships bound from South America to Havana, in August and 

 September, should go South of Cuba, entering the Caribbean Sea in the 

 vicinity of Trinidad, and make their longitude without going much to the 

 Northward before reaching the meridian of Cape San Antonio. If, while 

 crossing the Caribbean Sea, they should have indications of a Hurricane 

 to the Eastward, they should run immediately to the Southward as far as 

 possible. 



From the end of September to the beginning of November, on the con- 

 trary, the navigation of the Caribbean Sea is very dangerous, particularly 

 in the vicinity of Cape San Antonio, while the voyage to the North of Cuba 

 is less dangerous than during the preceding months. During October, 

 ships should go weU to the Eastward of the Windward Islands and to 

 the North of Puerto Eico, and endeavour to make their latitude as soon 

 as possible, as far as the parallel of 20°, between the meridians of 40° to 50°. 

 Considering the track generally taken by Hurricanes in October, steamers 

 starting for Spain during this month will go safer by way of Puerto Eico 

 than to the Northward. Steamers from Cape San Antonio to Havana, in 

 October, as soon as indications of a Hurricane are observed, if they are 

 near Cape San Antonio, will do well to run for the Bank of Yucatan, and 

 wait there, or else run out of their course to the Westward until the storm 

 has passed, and take advantage of the favourable winds which follow it 

 to continue their voyage. 



If, on the first indications of a Hurricane, the ship finds herself between 

 Cape San Antonio and Havana, the first thing to do is to get clear of the 

 coast and the currents ; when this done, if the centre bears between East 

 and South, which is the most probable, continue running with the gale to 

 W.S.W., and when the storm has passed to the N.E., the winds which 

 follow it can be utilized to continue the voyage. If, when well away from 

 the coast, the centre bears in the third quadrant, or between South and 

 West, he-to for some time, in order to observe if the centre remains on the 

 same bearing, or veers towards the second quadrant. If either is the case. 



