44 PASSAGE FROM MADEIRA TO RIO JANEIRO. 
months are the most favourable, in consequence of the strong westerly 
winds that prevail in the North Atlantic at that season, and also to 
the prevalence of the northeast monsoons on the coast of Brazil. 
Our observations would point out the necessity of dull sailing 
vessels not crossing the equator to the westward of 20° of west lon- 
gitude, where the equatorial current begins to be felt; but vessels 
that sail well, may cross it as far as 26° west, particularly when the 
northeast monsoons prevail in their full strength, and very much 
shorten their passage by such a course. 
During the repairs, I endeavoured to employ my time and that of 
the officers and scientific gentlemen in as advantageous a manner as 
possible. We are indebted to the Hon. William Hunter, our charge 
d'affaires, and our consul, William Slacum, Esq., for many kind- 
nesses and attention received during our stay. Through their inter- 
cession, I obtained the use of the small island of Enxados, which 
was well adapted to our purposes. The instruments and stores were 
allowed to be landed there free of inspection, and every assistance we 
could desire was afforded us by the government and its officers. How 
different a policy and treatment from that pursued towards Captain 
Cook some seventy years before, under an ignorant and jealous colo- 
nial government. 
WATERING PLACE, PORTO PRAVA. 
