On the Navigation of Cape Horn. 57 
and delays incidental to the westerly gales, by attempting to ride 
them out in the vicinity of the Cape, where they are always most vi- 
olent. The range of these gales, is frequently passed, by standing 
two or three degrees to the southward of St. Jolin’s. 
The early navigators followed the “inshore” passage. ‘Those who 
came after them, in more modern times, steered more to the south, 
and were sometimes favored with fair winds and speedy passages. 
Those who were fortunate, approved of the plan, and in the pride of 
success, they recommended others to pursue the same route, arguing 
that although the distance was greater, yet the passage was shortened, 
by having favorable breezes and a smooth sea. In the present day, 
there are those who sail by both routes, and make short passages, 
showing that the preference should sometimes be given to the one, 
and at other times, and under other circumstances, to the other. 
Those who go the “inshore” passage, keep close in with the land. 
Whcen the wind is fair they go to the north of Diego Ramirez; nev- 
er to the south of it, further than ten or twelve leagues, if they can 
avoid it. Supposing this cleared, they continue on due west, upon 
the same parallel, as far as 85° of longitude; thence upon that me- 
ridian due north, to Jat. 40° S. whence they shape their course direct- 
ly for the port of destination. When the wind is favorable, they pass 
through the straits of Le Maire; but this should be done only when 
they are likely to be embayed, or when they are swept under the 
land so that they cannot pass to the east of Staten Land, without 
loss of time, and probably of a fair breeze. 
A vessel may enter the straits, with a favorable breeze, and under 
every appearance of good weather, and in coming through, be met. 
by a gale from the south east, which would place her on a lee shore, 
and in a very critical situation. ‘The possibility of taking this gale, 
is a good reason why vessels should go around St. Johns, in prefer- 
ence to passing through the straits of Le Maire, when they are free to 
choose either. ° 
If a gale from the westward, be encountered off Staten Land, they 
seek refuge from its violence, under the lee of the island, and ‘‘ heave” 
or “lay to” in smooth water, until the gale abates. If they be fur- 
ther to the westward, before they meet it, they “lay to” on either 
tack, preserving the latitude in which they may be at the time of ta- 
king it, as near as practicable. After the gale has passed over, they 
stand again to the westward. On nearing the Cape the second time, 
they run the same risk of meeting an adverse gale, that they did when 
Vou. XXVI.—No. 1. 8 
