138 



C. SKOTTSBERG 



Fig. 53. Santa Clara from the air, looking SE. — Photo B. Frodin ^/^ 1952. 



Santa Clara. 



Santa Clara or Goat Island is a barren, desolate islet separated from Masa- 

 tierra by a shallow, about 1500 m wide strait, dreaded for its strong currents 

 and turbulent waters. The depth is 19 — 20 fathoms according to Anson's map; 

 I sounded 20 — 45 m. 



The older literature gives little information about this island, but it w^as 

 described in some detail by Guzman pp. 48 — 53, to whom the reader is referred. 

 Various bays and morros are mentioned, with names probably given by the 

 fishermen. The circumference of the island is said to be 9 km, the area 500 

 hectares. Measurements on the new map gave a length of 3.5 km, a maximum 

 width of 1.25 km and an area of 2.5 sq. km. This map is based on the aerial 

 survey of 1 95 2 and on Mr. Frodin's photographs (fig. 53). The length profile is 

 seen in its full extension on fig. 48. A comparison shows that all the older maps 

 are very defective. 



The island is everywhere bordered by steep cliff walls (fig. 53). Above is 

 a sandy table-land, studded with hills, of which the easternmost, incorrectly 

 placed on other maps, is about 375 m high (366, Lopez). Guzman calls it Co 

 Xegros, but as we have one Co Negro on the south coast of Masatierra, I 

 named it Cerro Johoiv in commemoration of the author of the well-known work 

 on the flora of Juan Fernandez. Close to the coast are several morros. The west 

 side of the island is beaten by a heavy surf and inaccessible, but on the inner 

 side, behind M. del Spartan, landing is — but not always — possible. 



