220 



DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS. 



On the 28tli, in company with Lieutenants Knox and Underwood, 

 I sailed in the Flying-fish Southward along the coast ; after pro- 

 ceeding about twenty miles," the schooner was anchored at mid- 

 night, opposite to the ruins of Pachicamac, and as near as practicable 

 to the shore. — On the morning of the 29th, Lieut. Underwood landed 

 with balsas through the surf; it was soon perceived, that the rollers, 

 although so heavy, were distant and regular, and watching an oppor- 

 tunity, Captain Pinckney succeeded in conducting a boat safely to the 

 beach. We met persons who stated, that "no one had ever before 

 landed there." Stepping over the inconsiderable stream that descends 

 through the Lurin Valley, we proceeded to the Pachicamac hill, and 

 spent some hours in examining the ruins of the aboriginal town 

 and temple. Towards sunset, we returned to the boat; which was 

 launched, and after being backed rapidly before two or three rollers 

 until they had broken, arrived safely at the vessel's side. We escaped 

 without accident ; but cannot recommend visiting Pachicamac by 

 sea. — At daylight on the 30th, the schooner again entered the harbor 

 at Callao. 



Towards evening on the 13th of July, leaving the Relief at Callao, 

 the Vincenues and remaining vessels of the squadron sailed Westward^ 

 directly away from the land. 



On the 14th, the weather was calm ; and two of the Antarctic birds, 

 Procellaria Capensis, wandering along this coast even within the 

 Tropics, showed that the climate continued cool. 



On the 15th, the wind was light, and the sky most of the time ob- 

 scured, but the sun occasionally became visible. We were now get- 

 ting beyond the influence of the land, and even of the cold oceanic 

 current from the South ; flying-fisli, Exocetus, being seen on the 18th, 

 which proved our first fine and clear day. 



