TO THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA. 505 



causes streaks of light to be emitted from the sea, that throw a strong yet 

 sickly and appalling glare upon all the sails, creating an indescribable 

 sensation in the mind, that is very far from being agreeable, as the vessel 

 appears to be surrounded by breakers on every side. 



Although I have several times noticed this luminous appearance in the 

 same track, I am led to remark more particularly upon it on account of a 

 most awful night which I passed on the 24th of August, 1834, in or about 

 lat. 7° 30' N., long. 17° 50' W., which left an impression upon the minds 

 of all on board that I fancy will not be very soon effaced ; for the vessel 

 appeared to be sailing through a sea of liquid fire, whilst the heavy dark 

 mass of clouds appeared to rest upon her mastheads, and not a single star 

 was visible amid the horrid gloom. No bottom was found at 120 fathoms. 

 Temperature of the air 82°, and of the water 79° (Fahr.). 



Vessels in want of Kroumen should call at Grand Sestros. From some 

 years' experience I can confidently say, that they are the most willing and 

 best disposed men on the Krou Coast ; and, if well used, are faithful to 

 their employer in every dijfficulty he may have to contend with to leeward. 

 Every vessel should take four or five, or more of them, in proportion to 

 her size ; for, in the Oil Rivers, if white men are exposed in the boats or 

 canoes, landing or taking in casks, they very soon fall victims to the 

 climate. The Kroumen prefer rice to any other diet, and a good supply 

 can generally be procured at a cheap rate, except between January and 

 June ; but, considering the detention of lying-to, in order to procure it, 

 the rice may be exported from England, for ships' use, at very nearly as 

 cheap a rate. One of the Kroumen is of more real service in the Oil Rivers 

 than two Europeans ; they are generally well versed in the English lan- 

 guage; and are contented with a dash or present when left at Fernando Po, 

 after the vessel has completed her lading.* 



On approaching the Krou Coast it is usual to hoist the ensign and fire a 

 gun, and the vessel will soon be surrounded by canoes. A small canoe 

 may be purchased for the ship's use for a mere trifle, and will be found 

 extremely serviceable in the rivers. 



The navigation between Cape Lahou and the land of Formosa presents 

 no difficulty to the navigator ; the currents in the route run to the East- 

 ward at 1, 1^, and sometimes 2 knots or more, in the hour. If there be 

 no inducement to call at Bereby, Drewin, or Cape Lahou, it will be as 

 well (and will certainly expedite the passage) to shape a course from Cape 

 Palmas for Cape Three Points ; and then, giving that land a berth of 

 15 or 20 miles, shape a course for the land of Formosa. 



In steering across the Bight of Benin, the current will be generally found 

 running about 1 mile an hour to the N.E. ; and must be allowed for, by 

 steering one-third of a point to the Southward of the direct course. 



A mere inspection of the chart will show that what is erroneously called 

 Cape Formosa is, in fact, an elbow-land rounding off gradually to the 

 Eastward ; and regular soundings upon a muddy bottom extend for some 



• Vessels now usually call at Sierra Leone for Kroumen, and it is uncertain whether 

 fcbe above remarks concerning Grand Sestros are still correct. 



N. A. 0. 65 



