THE AZORES ISLANDS. 573 



violence of its centre ; and that by steering to the "West she would sooner 

 meet the centre, or run into a new Gale. 



Whatever may be the cause of the occasional deflection of the Azorean 

 Storms, whether it arises from collision with another Storm, or from 

 atmospheric gravitation (the radiation of heat from the islands being 

 always very great), the uniform effect appears to be a diminution of their 

 progressive velocity, and frequently an increase of their rotatory force. 



But as far as these effects can be foreseen, from a knowledge of the 

 deflection (presuming it always to be accompanied by a slower progres- 

 sion), it is worthy of observation, that the deflection never appears to take 

 a turn to the northward, but always to the South. If this be true, the 

 safest course for a ship in these gales is to the North, unless there are 

 very cogent reasons for a departure from this supposed rule. 



The Currents are irregular among the Azores, generally weak, and they 

 appear to be mainly due to the extension of the Gulf Stream. They 

 sometimes attain a velocity of 20 miles per day. 



Captain E. Bold, R.N., remarks that " the navigation of the Azores is 

 remarkably free from danger, and without any difficulties, except such as 

 arise from the variableness of the weather, and the currents to which 

 their vicinity is liable, which occasionally baffle, in a most extraordinary 

 degree, the attempts of vessels either approaching or sailing through them. 



" I scarcely know of any group of islands more liable to sudden storms, 

 squalls, and changes of weather, than the neighbourhood of these. No 

 continuous fine weather may be expected at these islands until May, 

 or even later, from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox ; between 

 which periods frequent long calms prevail, or light baffling airs. In 1832, 

 a British frigate beating from Terceira to Fayal did not arrive at Horta 

 until the 10th day." 



The climate of Flores and Corvo is healthy and delightful, being much 

 drier than that of the other islands, but violent storms and sudden squalls 

 are experienced in their vicinity at all seasons. Captain Boid says that 

 the changes from the extreme of fine to that of foul weather are rapid 

 beyond conception, requiring the constant vigilance of the navigator. 

 These atmospheric transitions are sometimes induced by the approach of 

 immense icebergs, drifted hither by the Gulf Stream. 



Flores and Corvo form a separate group from the rest of the Azores, 

 and the intervening channel, 118 miles wide, has no known danger, and 

 therefore is probably the best to use in passing through the archipelago. 

 The current sometimes sets to the N.E. through this channel, with 

 varying strength according to the wind ; but, as a general rule, the con- 

 tinuation of the drift from the Gulf Stream bears to the S.E. and South, 

 rarely to the S.S.W. This is more usual to the North of the islands. 



The HARBOUR of PONTA DELGADA, the chief port of St. 

 Michael's and the principal city of the Azores, is formed by a vast 

 artificial breakwater, under which vessels of the largest size can lie 

 moored in security. Coal, fresh water, and provisions can be readily 

 obtained here, and there is telegraphic communication with all parts of 

 the world. Repairs can be executed for iron and wooden vessels and 

 ordinary repairs for engines and boilers. Steam-tugs, trained divers, and 

 a powerful steam-pump are kept in readiness. 



