TO RIO JANEIRO. 



41 



United States to Rio during eight years, from 1834 to 1841. The 

 shortest passage occurred in the year 1835, and the longest in 1840. 

 The former by a very fast vessel in twenty-nine days; the latter by an 

 ordinary merchant-ship in ninety days. The Relief, our store-ship, 

 had one hundred days in 1838 ! but this includes touching three days 

 at the Cape de Verdes. 



It will be seen that the average monthly passage does not vary but 

 a few days throughout the whole eight years. The winter 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 preva- 

 lence 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 longitude, 

 where the equatorial current begins to be felt; but vessels that sail 

 well, may cross it as far as 26° W., 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 kindnesses 

 and attentions received during our stay. Through their intercession, 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 colonial govern- 

 ment ! 



■WATERING PLACE, PORTO TRAYA. 



VOL. I. 



D2 



