532 PASSAGES OVER THE ATLANTIC. 



Navigation to Jamaica via St. Juan, Porto Rico, Cape Haytibn, 



AND St. Jago de Cuba. 



Steamers leaving St. Thomas to perform the Jamaica route, via the North 

 side of Porto Bico and Hayti, should leave the small islet of Bergantin 

 (which is a high rock resembling a ship when at a distance), on their left, 

 and Montalvan and Cabrito on their right, bearing in mind that a reef 

 extends from Montalvan a good cable's length. 



San Juan Harbour will readily be distinguished by the Moro, which, 

 when first seen, makes like an island having extensive fortifications on its 

 summit, rendering it exceedingly remarkable. This Moro Castle is on the 

 East side of the entrance, and is steep-to within half a cable of its 

 Northern side. The position to lie-to for a pilot is about 2 cables North of 

 the Moro, with the ship's head off shore, taking great care not to drift near 

 the low rocky island on the West side of the entrance, which has much 

 foul ground around it ; and the current generally setting strong in that 

 direction. The harbour is not difficult of access by day, but at times the 

 sea breaks right across the entrance, which calls for the promptest atten- 

 tion at the helm.- I do not consider it safe at any time to enter this port 

 at night in large ships. Rise and fall of tide, 2 feet. 



From San Ju^n a course should be shaped so as to pass 6 or 7 miles 

 from Cape Viejo Franqais (Hayti), making allowance for a current which 

 sets towards the Porto Rico coast, when within the distance of 10 miles 

 from the shore. The first land that will be seen on this track (after losing 

 sight of Porto Rico) will be Cape Baphael, which is of moderate height, 

 and is the termination of the high land ; the coast thence to Cape Engano 

 being exceedingly low. Baphael may also be known by a small conical 

 hill {Mt. Bedonda), a short distance inland, which, on coming from the 

 N.W., is seen near the termination of the point. 



The next cape to the N.W. is Cape Samana, which makes like an island 

 on many bearings, particularly from the N.W. After passing Cape 

 Samana, Cape Viejo Franqais will be seen, which also makes like an 

 island with low points at each extremity. 



Cape Isabella is the next headland, which is very low, and, like Cape 

 Viejo Fran9ais, also makes like an island. Between these two capes 

 there is a remarkable high hill, sloping down to the water's edge, with a 

 flat summit, and a remarkable notch on its extremity when seen from the-. 

 N.W. This land is Cape Casrou^e. 



The Grange is the most remarkable object, and cannot be mistaken for 

 any other part of the coast if attention be paid to the book of directions. 



Vessels may pass inside Monte Christi Shoals ; but as the channel is 

 not well known, I have invariably gone outside, on the principle that a 

 steamer's progress is so rapid through the water, that in a very short 

 period of time after shoal water is descried, the vessel is on shore. 

 Although I have adopted this line of route, I have, on former occasions in 

 H.M. ships, passed inside, and am well aware that there is a good channel; 

 but a large scale chart of this portion of the coast should be in possession. 

 of the commander before he navigates his ship in doubtful water. 



