JAMAICA TO MAEACAYBO. 635 



The first headland after passing the JsZe of Vache is called Abacou Point, 

 low at its extremity, then suddenly rising to a moderate height. 



The next cape to the Westward is Gape Gravois, which is very low, the 

 land between being of a moderate and equal height. From this cape to 

 Tihuron the land becomes very high. Cape Tiburon itself is of moderate 

 height, but a short distance from its extremity it suddenly rises to a high 

 mountain, and when first made from the sea, appears to slope down to the 

 water's edge. 



The Isle of Saona is situated at the S.E. extremity of Hayti, and is 

 very low, level, and covered with trees. In running past this island, 

 shoal water will be seen some distance from the shore. At night I would 

 recommend running 10 or 12 miles to the Eastward of the reckoning, 

 when bound through the Mona Passage, as it is the turning point, and 

 being very low, ships would be in the reefs before seeing the land, except 

 with clear nights. 



From Jamaica to the Bar of Maracaybo, in April and May, 

 BY Captain Dunsterville, E.N. 



On sailing from Jamaica we had fresh Easterly winds and squally 

 weather, then winds variable round the compass. 



From AUa Vela we took our departure for the Isle of Oruha, on the 

 Eastern side of the Gulf of Maracaybo, allowing for the strong Westerly 

 currents above three-quarters of a mile an hour. 



Saw the Monks, which are rather high rocks ; and, by the altitude of 

 the star Antares, made the Northern one to lie in lat. 12° 28'. Hauled ^o 

 the S.E., and ran along the Western coast of Paraguana, sounding in 



12 to 8 fathoms, when distant about 3 miles from the shore, till we 

 arrived at Punta de los Estanques, whence we took our departure for the 

 Bar of Maracaybo, S.W. | W. 



About 24 miles to the Eastward of the Bar of Maracaybo, are some 

 high mountains ; the land Westward of these is low, and continues so, 

 with occasional breaks in it, by kays and hillocks, which are at the 

 entrance of the lagoon. Farther Westward are two pieces of land, not 

 particularly high, on the low S.E. termination of which are three little 

 hillocks. This is the Isla Todos, on which stands the Castle of St. Carlos. 

 When bearing S.S.W. f W. the hillocks are over the fort, which is white. 

 The bar has at this season a depth over it of only 11 ft., hard bottom ; 

 but in the rainy season, August, September, and October, there is, at least, 



13 ft. of water. 



The breezes here are very heavy from the N.N.E. to N.E. by E. in the 

 early part of the year ; yet at about 8 a.m. the wind is generally more 

 moderate; and from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., in the following morning, it blows a 

 perfect gale^ with a heavy sea, which makes it dangerous to lie at anchor 

 here. 



