SOUTHERN CRUISE. 165 
Before leaving these desolate and stormy regions, it may be expected 
that I should say a lew words relative to the passage round the Cape. 
There are so many opinions relative to the best manner of proceeding 
in this navigation, that one in consulting them derives but little 
satisfaction, no two authorities agreeing in their views upon the 
subject, I am inclined to believe as much depends upon the vessel, 
and the manner in which she is navigated, as the route pursued, 
whether the Cape is passed close to, or given a good berth : the object 
of all is to pass it as quickly as possible, and taking into consideration 
the difficulties to be incurred from boisterous weather, heavy seas, 
and ice, it is impossible to point out the course at any time it may 
be advisable to pursue ; that which appears most feasible at the time 
ought to be adopted, keeping, however, in view, that there is no 
danger to be apprehended in navigating on the western coast of Terra 
del Fuego, as the current sets along its coast, and it is perfectly safe 
and practicable to navigate it as far as Cape Pillar. The great 
difficulty exists in passing the pitch of the Cape ; there is none after 
it in getting to the westward. On the coast, the wind seldom blows 
long from the same quarter, but veers from southwest to northwest : 
the gales generally begin at the former quarter and end at the latter. 
Previous to the southwest gales, it would, therefore, in all cases, be 
advisable, when indications of their occurrence are visible, (which are 
known by the banks of cumuli in that quarter, some twenty-four 
hours previously,) to stand to the southward and westward in pre- 
ference, with as much sail as well can be carried, that when the 
change occurs, you may be ready to stand on the other tack to the 
northward. One thing every navigator ought to bear in mind, that it 
requires all the activity and perseverance he may be possessed of to 
accomplish it quickly. 
On the 20th we took our final leave of these waters, and on the 
21st lost sight of land, passing to the northward of the island of Diego 
Ramieres. 
On the 23d, during a strong gale, we parted company with the 
Porpoise. On the 28th, found ourselves in longitude 78° 30' W., 
latitude 56° 30' S., when I kept away to the northward, it blowing 
violently from the southward and westward, with a heavy sea. 
On the 30th, we had reached the latitude of 43° S., longitude 
76° W., when the wind came out from the northward. It being a 
mild day we caught several fine albatrosses, ten feet six inches from 
wing to wing, with a small hook. They were preserved as specimens. 
VOL. T. 42 
