462 PASSAGES OVER THE ATLANTIC. 



The directions which follow will commence with our own country, 

 although very briefly ; for it is presumed that almost every one who will 

 use this book is either well qualified to navigate our own channels, or has 

 more extended works on this point to guide him. 



And even in the remarks on more distant voyages very brief notices 

 would generally suffice, for most are now familiar with the varied, par- 

 ticulars of the hydrography of the Atlantic as it affects a ship's passage. 

 Notwithstanding the vast labour that has been bestowed on the research 

 into its phenomena, it does not seem that a corresponding advantage has 

 accrued to shipping ; for in many cases the directions of a century since 

 will be found as useful as those based upon these refined inquiries. How- 

 ever, one thing may be averred, that passages are now made with much 

 greater certainty than formerly, and even if the average duration of a voyage 

 is shortened a few hours, very much has been gained ; and, by the com- 

 parison of a great number of voyages made under different circumstances, 

 it may be safely pronounced which is the best course to pursue, and what 

 the average length of such a voyage will be. 



For much of the information given on the accompanying diagrams we 

 are indebted to the United States Pilot Chart, which is constructed from 

 numerous authorities, and the sailing tracks are based upon the varying 

 limits of the Winds and Currents, according to the seasons. They must 

 not be considered as infallible, but are given as a guide, on which the 

 mariner may use his own judgment. 



2. TO AND FEOM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL. 



OUTWABD. 



For vessels leaving the Downs, and having rounded the South Foreland 

 at about 1 mile distant, the track is W.S.W. (mag.), 21 miles, to a similar 

 position off Dungeness, the depth 13 to 17 fathoms. From a mile off 

 Dungeness to abreast the Royal Sovereign Shoal Lightvessel, the course 

 is W. by S., 24 miles, and in depths varying from 17 to 9 and 12 fathoms. 

 In working down, and while to the Eastward of Folkestone, stand in to 

 13 fathoms, and off towards the Varne to 16 fathoms. The dangerous 

 character of this bank has been modified by the placing of a buoy and 

 lightvessel to mark it. Between Dungeness and Bexhill keep outside of 

 9 or 10 fathoms, and within 25 fathoms. To the "Westward keep South 

 of the Royal Sovereign Lightvessel, which will keep you clear of the 

 shoals. 



Having arrived at a position 4 miles South of Beachy Head, a course 

 may be shaped down Channel. This course will necessarily be much 

 controlled by the wind and tide; but under any circumstances the English 

 coast should not be left. If the wind be contrary, the best position with 

 the commencement of the ebb is inshore. The flood tide, especially at its 

 commencement, tends to the Southward, filling the large indentations of 

 the French coasts before it sets up the Channel, and then it sets on to the 



