April 1830. PASSAGE OF THE NARROW. B07 
noticed any current, we observed a strong rippling in the 
Narrow, and immediately sent the boats a-head to tow us 
towards mid-channel. We proceeded rather quickly until 
we arrived at 2, when our progress was checked, and we were 
carried rapidly back, as far as 8. In the Narrow the tide was 
evidently against us; but in crossing to the N.W. at 4, we 
were forced by the counter-current against all the efforts of the 
boats—were carried close to the large island—and for the space 
of thirty yards, were brushing the overhanging trees with our 
main-boom. This part was, most fortunately, quite steep ; for 
had the vessel touched in her swift course, she must have been 
swung with violence against the rocks, and much damaged, per- 
haps irreparably. 
** No sooner had we passed the end of this island, than we 
were shot into mid-channel to 5, and then as suddenly and 
swiftly carried back by the stream of the tide. The boats could 
never keep hold of the vessel while in these whirlpools ; and it 
was several times fortunate that they had cast off the tow-rope 
in time, for thrice we were twisted round, as if on a pivot, by 
those violent eddies. 
‘<A favourable moment was seized, the boats were again 
sent a-head ; and, by great exertions, we were towed out of the 
influence of the tide, and then waited for the time of slack 
water. 
« At three o’clock Mr. Kirke was sent to Guard Point, to 
ascertain the time of high water ; and at half-past four, in con- 
sequence of his signal, we towed in with both boats, and passed 
the islands with a favouring tide; but one quarter of a mile 
farther, we met ripplings, which we had no sooner entered than 
a reverse of tide was found, as if the waters from the sounds 
were gradually forcing back the tide of the channel. We still, 
however, made progress to the S.W.; but it was not before 
eight o'clock that we anchored in the west entrance of this 
Narrow, pleased, indeed, to be again secure, and to have 
escaped unharmed. 
“© 24th. Thick, hazy weather in the morning ; but at eight 
o'clock it cleared a little, so we weighed, and soon reached the 
