APPKNUIX. 271 



During our stay on the coast, we frequently experienced these 

 southerly sets, immediately preceding and during northerly winds ; 

 but as this was not always the case, no general rule can be laid 

 douTi, although it certainly appears a natural inference to draw. "We 

 also remarked, that at times the current was setting to the south- 

 ward, when a fresh wind was, and for days previous, had been blow- 

 ing from that quarter. And as no inequalities or irregularities in 

 the coast Hne could have occasioned this, it only served to heighten 

 our curiosity, without affording any clue to discover how the peculia- 

 rity was caused. 



On Passages. 



With regard to making passages on this coast — little difficult)^ is 

 found in going northward ; a fair offing is all that is requisite to 

 ensure your making a certain port in a given number of days ; but in 

 working to windward, some degree of skill, and constant attention 

 are necessary. 



Much difference of opinion exists as to whether the in -shore or 

 off-shore route should be preferred ; but from the experience we had 

 ourselves, and from information gained from those who were said to 

 understand the coast, we were led to suppose the following the best 

 line to foUow. 



On leaving Guayaquil or Payta, if bound to CaUao, work close in- 

 shore to about the island of Lobos de Afuera. All agree in this. 

 Endeavour always to be in with the land soon after the sun has 

 set, that advantage may be taken of the land wind, which begins 

 about that time ; this will frequently enable a ship to make her way 

 nearly along shore throughout the night, and place her in a good 

 situation for the first of the sea-breeze. 



After having passed the before-named islands, it would be advisable 

 to work up on their meridian, until you approach the latitude of 

 Callao ; then stand in, and if it is not fetched, work up along shore, 

 as above directed. 



Some people have attempted to make this passage, by standing 

 off for Jveveral days, hoping to fetch in on the other tack, but have 

 invariably found it a fruitless effort, owing to the northerly set that 

 is experienced on apjDroaching the equator. 



If from Callao and bound to \^alparaiso, there is no question but 



