324 OBSEKVATIONS ON TiiJi CUEKENTS. 



its vicinity. This is, in fact, what takes place, and it would, therefore, be 

 difficult to define a particular one. This only appears certain : vessels 

 passing in sight of Cape Verde are not carried on it, as is generally sup- 

 posed ; but, on the contrary, they are swept off by the prevailing tendency 

 which the waters have to flow to seaward. In running close to Almadie 

 Rocks, this repulsion is sensibly felt during the eight months which I have 

 mentioned. It appears that the Current rushes between the rocks, and 

 spreads itself in different directions. 



Immediately to the Southward of Cape Fer<?e the Current is almost imper- 

 ceptible, and it is scarcely possible to assign any particular direction to it 

 as far as Cape Naze. The whole of the coast lying between this cape and 

 Cape Manuel forms a well defined bay, totally free from Current, and in 

 which there is not a single river. The same is observed with respect to the 

 roadstead of Goree, although, according to the observations of Mr. Adanson, 

 a regular tide exists thei-e, with a rise and fall of 2^ feet. In the offing of 

 Cape Verde the Current has been always found to set to the Southward. 

 From Cape Naze it again follows the direction of the coast, interrupted 

 only at the mouths of the principal rivers, which lie between this cape and 

 Cape Roxo. From this point, localities of a very different nature produce 

 particular effects in the Cui-rent. The Archipelago of the Bissagos here 

 succeeds the straight coast which extends to the Northward. Large rivers 

 empty themselves amongst these islands, forming various channels, more 

 or less encumbered with sand-banks. These obstacles cause a variety of 

 Currents, which will be explained when treating on the Bissagos. 



Strength of the General Current. — The rate of the general Current on 

 the African coast, deduced from numerous observations, has never exceeded 

 1^ mile per hour on the coast itself, and on the outer edge of the banks ; 

 and more frequently it has been found from seven to nine-tenths of a mile. 

 This is diminished one-third, and frequently one-half, at a distance of 12 

 miles from the coast. Should a sailing vessel have run past her port, there 

 is no fear of her not stemming this Current, and, by long boards, easily 

 regaining her destination. 



In the Eainy Season, which is from the commencement of June to the 

 end of October, as the wind blows from various directions, the Currents 

 are no longer regular, and it is impossible to establish any positive law 

 respecting them ; but, even under these circumstiuicfcs, their stien jitia is 

 not so great but that it may be surmounted. 



