40 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



The route which I took with the squadron was between the 37th 

 and 38th parallels, to the Azores, some 200 miles to the northward of 

 that of the Relief. Here we find a totally different state of things. 

 The wind was fair 16 days out of the 28, and we only encountered 

 adverse winds during 6 days ; and I am under the impression that, had 

 our passage been made on a more northern parallel, we should have 

 shortened it by having more wind and deriving greater assistance from 

 the Gulf Stream ; indeed, as a proof of it, the Peacock, after parting 

 company, kept about a degree to the northward of the Vincennes's 

 track, and reached the Azores two days before us, but was detained 

 longer in consequence of passing between the islands of this group. 



On this passage the position assigned St. Anne's Shoal, as well as a 

 vigia in lat. 38° 8' north, long. 34° 3' west, was visited, and no appear- 

 ance of either found. I have mentioned in the Narrative my belief 

 that many of these shoals and vigias, which have obtained a place on 

 our charts, result from encountering large trees in boisterous and 

 thick weather, or during the night. It would appear likely that they 

 should be met with hereabouts, having been brought by the currents 

 or Gulf Stream, and for a time remain floating in this part of the 

 ocean. In this longitude (42° west), we encountered many pieces of 

 drift-wood, as well as large trees, which were of a deceptive appear- 

 ance until closely approached. 



The course to be pursued in passing the Azores bound to the east- 

 ward, is to give them a wide berth, to the northward or southward ; 

 the former in the winter months, the latter in the summer months, 

 when the winds incline mostly from those quarters, by which a steady 

 breeze will be secured in the neighborhood of these islands, when it is 

 often interrupted and variable nearer them ; the strong currents 

 would also be avoided by keeping at a distance. 



The position of the Tulloch Reef was passed near to, reported in 

 the neighborhood of the Formigas Rocks as long ago as 1808, and 

 said to have been seen several times since. In 1829, it was diligently 

 sought for by H. M. S. Ariadne, expressly sent for that purpose, with- 

 out success. We also have to report its non-existence. 



The approach to Madeira is generally shaped for the purpose of 

 doubling its eastern end, and thus taking advantage of the prevail- 

 ing winds to reach the roadstead of Funchal with the least delay. 

 There are seasons when the winds permit an approach from the west- 

 ward : this being the case at the time of our visit, I took advantage 



