FEOM THE WEST INDIES. 613 



the Eastward of the meridian of Havana, it could have stretched over to 

 Cuba in the night ; and, in all probability, have gained the appointed 

 station in six days, or even, perhaps, as soon as it could have gained 

 Cape Maysi, if the Easterly v^ind had been moderate, and no current to 

 contend with." * 



When the Trade Wind blows strong, and in frequent squalls, during the 

 summer months, between Jamaica and Hayti, and a short turbulent sea 

 is found Eastward of the former, then will those bound for Europe or the 

 United States shorten the period of their voyage by bearing away for the 

 West end of Cuba, and passing through the Strait of Florida. For the 

 strait presents a more eligible navigation in these months than the Wind- 

 ward Channel. The sea breeze will ensure a quick run to the Channel of 

 Yucatan ; and the current, perpetually setting Eastward between Cuba and 

 Florida, will, in a few days, carry any vessel into the strait, where it will 

 be nearly impossible to remain much above two days, in the strength of 

 the stream, after being on the parallel of the Bernini Islands, even if there 

 were not a breath of wind. 



But as the North winds prevail in the Strait of Florida in October, and 

 frequently during winter, when variable winds and strong land breezes 

 are not uncommon on the coast of Jamaica, shipping will find this the most 

 favourable period for gaining the Windward Channel. In January or 

 February, if the wind offers a favourable opportunity for gaining the East 

 end of Cuba, this track should be taken ; but if the sea breeze be strong, 

 the Strait of Florida should be preferred. f 



When the sun has approached the Tropic of Cancer, strong Westerly 

 winds begin to blow along the Western coast of Florida, and prevail during 

 the months of June, July, and August, from the Bay of Apaiache, South- 



* " I think that this paragraph, unlfess qualified, is calculated to mislead; particularly 

 in the words, ' when, by bearing away with a favourable current for some distance, and 

 before a fresh Trade Wind, Cape Antonio might have been passed on the second day.' 

 Admitting the general experience of the writer of this passage, I think he states an 

 extreme case. The distance from Port Royal to Cape Antonio is 518 miles; which 

 (divided by 48) equals more than lO.J miles per hour. Generally, there would be nothing 

 extraordinary in this performance, but I much doubt if it be often accomplished in the 

 locality alluded to, at the time of the year supposed ; viz., in the middle of May. In 

 that month of 1833,1 was ordered from Montego Bay to New Providence ; at the former 

 place I consulted some of the most experienced commanders of West Indiamen, 

 whether the most eligible course would be that of Cape Maysi or Cape Antonio ; the 

 majority recommended the latter, and I more readily deferred to their advice, from its 

 concurrence with that contained in the extract, the previous consideration of which 

 had occupied my mind. 



" Finally, although the advice contained in the extract above is judicious in estab- 

 lishing the advantages of the Leeward Passage, I repeat, that the hopes of making it so 

 speedily as is represented wUl not often be realized, for neither very favourable currents, 

 nor fresh Trade Winds, will be experienced upon that track at the season indicated ; 

 nevertheless, there is the all-important distinction between the passages of certainty and 

 uncertainty." — Lieutenant W. H. Brady, R.N. 



\ In sailing for the Windward Channel, get the coast of Hayti on board as soon as 

 you can, as you may then find a windward current, and, in the evening, the wind ofl 

 shore. 



N. A. 0. 66 



