474 l-ASSAGES OVEE THE ATLANTIC, 



Vessels hound to Liverpool should make signal for a pilot immediately 

 after passing the Skerries, as the pilots are very often well to the West- 

 ward, and keep a diligent look-out ; but should no boat be seen, cruize 

 about for one between Lynas and the Ormes Heads, as the tides here do 

 not run strong ; but do not, on any account, run a single mile to the East- 

 ward of the Great Ormes Head ; for, should thick weather come on, the 

 vessel will be in danger of being upon the West Hoyle or Burbo Banks, 

 and lost. It sometimes, but rarely, happens, when an unusual number of 

 vessels come up on one tide, that there is no pilot-boat on the Lynas 

 station, but it will only be left for a few hours, and vessels should wait 

 with patience, for here a pilot is sure to be obtained. 



The Liverpool pilots are under very excellent regulations, are exceedingly 

 skilful in their profession, and in point of character and conduct are not 

 surpassed by any similar body of men on the coast of Great Britain. 



Although I have before noticed the necessity of an unremittihg attention 

 to the lead in thick weather, perhaps I may be excused for adding here, 

 that such attention is of the greatest importance ; as, owing to the velocity 

 of the tides, it affords the mariner the only certain indication of his safety 

 or danger, and contributes to relieve his mind, in some degree, from the 

 anxiety he must feel whilst his vessel continues within the limits of this 

 dangerous navigation. 



4.— PASSAGES BETWEEN ENGLAND AND GIBEALTAB. 



By giving due attention to what has been stated previously, regarding 

 the winds and currents prevailing on the West coast of Europe, steamers 

 will find little to contend with in making this passage in ordinary weather, 

 whether outward or homeward bound. Every precaution must, however, 

 be taken when in the vicinity of Ushant, the N.W. coast of Spain, Capes 

 St. Vincent and Trafalgar, and other projections of the coast, especially 

 in thick weather. 



Sailing vessels outward bound, with a favourable wind, may steer a 

 direct course as far as possible, making full allowance for passing well to 

 the Westward of Ushant and Cape Finisterre. If bad weather comes on, 

 it is advisable to make to the Westward as far as 10° or 12° W., rather 

 than risk being set into the Bay of Biscay. From off Cape Finisterre, it is 

 advisable to give the coast to the Southward a good berth, sighting Cape 

 St. Vincent, and then proceeding according to wind, weather, &c. 



Sailing vessels homeward bound, after passing Cape St. Vincent, en- 

 deavour to get an ofiBng of 100 or 150 miles, to avoid the current running 

 near the coast, proceeding to the Northward as the winds wiU allow. 



