APPENDIX. 261 



from Payta sometimes call here with a mixed cargo, and they get in 

 exchange sugar and a Httle grain. 



Refreshment may be obtained from the neighbouring towns, but 

 wood is scarce. The water of the river is brackish and unfit for use ; 

 but there are wells on the left bank, a short distance from the huts. 

 When taken on board, this water is not good ; but, contrary to the 

 general ride, after it has been some time confined on board, it becomes 

 wholesome and pleasant tasted. 



When at a distance, the best mark to distinguish this bay, is Mount 

 Division, a hill with three sharp peaks, situated on the peninsula be- 

 tween Samanco and the Bay of Ferrol. There is also a bell- shaped 

 hiU on the south side of the bay that shows very distinctly. 



Mount Tortuga, a short distance inland to the N.N.E., wiU also 

 be seen : it is higher, and similar in appearance to the Bell Mount. 

 The south entrance point is a steep bluff, with some rocks lying off 

 it to a cable's length ; on opening the bay. Leading Bluff will be seen, 

 a large lump of rock on the sandy beach at the N.E. side, that looks 

 like an island. In going in, give Samanco Head a berth in passing ; 

 you may then stand in as close as convenient to the weather shore, 

 and anchor off the village in four, five, or six fathoms, sandy bottom : 

 when rounding the inner points, take care of your small spars ; for 

 the wind comes off the BeU Mount in sudden and variable puffs. 



N. 43° W., three leagues from Samanco, is the entrance to the 

 Bay of Ferrol, nearly equal in size to Samanco, and separated from 

 it by a low sandy isthmus ; it is an excellent place for a vessel to 

 careen, being entirely free from the swell that sets into most of the 

 ports. On its N.E. side is the Indian village of Chimbote, where, 

 we were told, refreshment of any kind might be had, but no water. 

 The entrance is clear ; but there is a reef of rocks off Blanca Island, 

 half a mile to the northward, which must be avoided. 



N. 40° W., two leagues from the entrance of Ferrol, is Santa 

 Island : about a mile and a half in length ; lying N.N.E. and 

 S.S.W., and of a very white colour ; just without it are two sharp- 

 pointed rocks, twenty feet above the sea. Two miles N.N.E. from 

 the island is Santa Head, on the north side of which is the harbour 

 of that name. This, although small, is a tolerable harbour ; the best 

 anchorage is in four or five fathoms, with the extreme of the head 

 bearing S.W. Fresh provisions and vegetables may be obtained on 

 moderate terms. It is also a tolerable place for watering. 



