MADEIRA. 5 
ports on our coast. It is to be hoped it will claim the attention of 
those engaged on the coast survey. 
On the 25th of August our winds became favourable, and we 
were enabled to lay our course towards Madeira. I continued to 
keep the direction of the Gulf Stream towards the Western Islands. 
We felt its influence until we reached the longitude of 48° W., and 
found it to set for the last few days to the northward of east. The 
temperature gradually decreased from 83° to 76°. The winds had 
been light, and the sea smooth, indicating no other impulse than the 
flow of the Stream. 
On the night of the 26th we parted company with the Peacock 
and Flying-Fish in a squall, and did not again meet them until we 
reached Madeira. 
On the 2d September we spoke a brig from Salem on a whaling 
voyage. 
On the 5th of September, being near the reported shoal of St. 
Anne, I determined to pass over its position. 
On the 6th we passed over it, the sea was smooth, the horizon 
clear, and the day beautiful. At 8 a. m. the look-out cried out 
" Rocks, or a wreck on the starboard bow," which at once created 
an excitement on board. We stood for it. It had at first every 
appearance of a rock, then that of a wreck with the masts gone. It 
proved, however, to be a large tree of cotton-wood, one hundred and 
twenty feet in length, and fourteen feet in circumference at the 
height of five feet above the roots. It had been a long time in the 
water, w T as full of barnacles, and much eaten by the teredo navalis. 
Great quantities of fish were about it, consisting of dolphins, sharks, 
&c. We did not, however, succeed in taking any. In rough 
weather it might easily have been mistaken for a rock, particularly 
if passed in the twilight, or at night. There is little doubt in my 
mind that many of the numerous vigias that appear on our charts 
have as little foundation. No current was experienced hereabouts, 
and I am led to the conclusion that a sort of eddy or still water is 
here found, wherein most of the wood carried by the Gulf Stream 
becomes deposited for a time. 
On the 8th, longitude 34° 08' W., latitude 37° 17' N., the current 
was found setting to the southward and westward. 
In consequence of the wind being from the southward and 
westward, I was compelled, after making the Peak of Pico, to go 
to the northward of St. Michael's. I am satisfied, however, it is 
