BELLE ISLE — DIRECTIONS. 643 



change of temperature of the sea. On one occasion, within 100 j^ards 

 of a large berg, the temperature of the sea was 50° and its density 

 22, to windward; and temperature 49° and density 15, to leeward; 

 while the normal temperature of the sea was 51° and density 23. 



Fog. — During a period of 40 days in July and August, when 

 simultaneous observations were made on both sides of the strait, fog, 

 mist, etc., occurred on 60 per cent of the days on the Labrador side, 

 and on 40 per cent on the Newfoundland side. See also page 46. 



Landing". — After strong easterly winds, a heavy swell, lasting 

 several days, sets through the strait and makes landing at most 

 places on the coast of Newfoundland impossible. 



Navig'ation. — Steam vessels navigate the strait from July to 

 October, inclusive. See also page 64. 



General directions. — From the eastward with clear weather, 

 make Belle isle or its lights, and then keep in the fairway of the 

 strait. When passing northward of the island avoid Northeast ledge. 



In making the eastern entrance of the strait in thick weather, great 

 caution is necessary and soundings should be frequently obtained. 

 The position may possibly be ascertained by the fog signals on Belle 

 isle, cape Bauld, and cape Norman. Midway between Belle isle and 

 cape Norman the depths assist in estimating the position, since there 

 is a gradual decrease in depth from the entrance until the bank, with 

 depths of under 30 fathoms, which extends northward 15 miles from 

 Pistolet bay, is passed, when the water deepens to from 30 to 50 

 fathoms. 



In proceeding westward through the strait, if the vessel is in the 

 middle, depths of 24 to 30 fathoms will be struck on Centre bank. 

 Failure to strike this extensive bank indicates that the vessel has 

 passed to one side of it, but as the soundings are much alike on both 

 sides, it will be difficult to determine which. Some assistance may 

 then be derived from the temperature of the surface water, which is 

 generally, but not invariably warmer on the Newfoundland side than 

 on the Labrador side, there being sometimes a difference of as much 

 as 20° F. On the Newfoundland side it seldom falls below 50° during 

 the season of navigation. When passing Amour point its fog horn 

 may be heard. 



From the westward in clear weather, make Greenly island, or its 

 light, pass through the fairway of the strait and on either side of 

 Belle isle. In thick weather observe that the soundings in the western 

 approach are deeper on its northwestern than on its southeastern 

 side. The position may possibly be ascertained by the fog signals at 

 Greenly island and Amour point, after which there should not be 

 much difficulty in getting to sea, assisted by the soundings and the fog 

 signals at cape Norman, cape Bauld, and Belle isle. A sailing vessel 



