BETWEEN TOBAGO AND DEMEEAEA. 531 



tain meridian, there will be found more water than to the Westward, upon 

 the same parallel. 



It is absolutely erroneous to state that the limit of soundings is marked 

 by the change in the colour of the water ; as more than once, and par- 

 ticularly in November, 1834, in 25 fathoms of water, to the N.E. of 

 Marowyne Eiver, the colour was perfectly blue and transparent, and at 

 other times tinged of an ashy hue by the mud. 



Some remarks on making the coast about Colon are given previously, 

 on pages 364—365. 



Steam Navigation between Tobago and Demeraea. 



This and the following two sections are chiefly taken from an illustrated 

 work,* which gives numerous directions for the West Indies : — 



Between Tobago and Trinidad the current sets along towards the 

 W.N.W. and W.S.W., nearly always at the rate of 2 knots per hour, and 

 not unfrequently 3 or 4 knots. 



After clearing the channel, the stream will generally be found running 

 nearly parallel with the line of coast the whole distance to Demerara, 

 though it sometimes takes a more Northerly direction, particularly in the 

 months of July, August, and September. 



In shaping a course, therefore, for Demerara, vessels should keep well 

 to the Eastward of the port, not only to avoid the banks off the mouth of 

 the Esseqtcibo, but because the objects to the Eastward are more remark- 

 able, which is of the utmost consequence on a coast where its features 

 bear one uniform appearance, without a hill, the bearing of which would 

 point out a ship's position ; and the Ip,nd so low that vessels may be 

 aground before it is visible. The lead will be found the best guide, as 

 the soundings very gradually decrease, and there is no danger while 

 navigating in 7 fathoms water. 



The most remarkable features of the coast are the chimneys of the 

 boiling-houses, and a uniform fringe of trees. The vicinity of Demerara 

 will be known by the openings among the trees, with occasional buildings 

 and chimneys. Then the lighthouse and a high church spire will render 

 its position easily recognisable. This port should never be taken by a 

 stranger without a pilot ; indeed, even those who are most intimately 

 acquainted with its localities should always take this precaution. In a 

 steam-vessel the navigation is most simple at proper times of the tide. 

 Every merchant vessel is compelled to take a pilot before crossing' 

 the bar. 



♦ " Practical Observatioua on the West ladia Navigatioa," by a Conimauder ot oaa 

 of the Royal Mail Steam Packets. Loudon, 1814. 



