PASSAGES. 



51 



would be entirely protected from the influence of the winds and sea 

 by the small islands of Enxados and Cobra. 



The tide in the harbor of Rio ebbs and flows 4£ feet, and it is high 

 water at 2 h 15 m p. m. full and change. A tide-staff was kept during 

 the time of our stay, and marked hourly, night and day. The ebb 

 often runs very nearly the whole day, and is always represented as 

 much stronger than the flood. 



Vessels after leaving the harbor of Rio would do well to follow the 

 example of the coasters, and stand down along the northern shore 

 towards Cape Frio, for they would thereby not only preserve the 

 land-breeze, but also be assisted by the counter current which sets 

 along the shore, and save much of the time that is frequently lost by 

 standing off to the southward and eastward, when not only contrary 

 winds are met with, but frequently calms of some duration. The 

 coast is free from dangers, and a vessel of any size may approach it 

 within a short distance. The light on Raza Island we found to be a 

 brilliant revolving light, showing alternately a deep-red and white 

 light. 



The port regulations of Rio are somewhat unfavorable to trade, 

 and the number of holidays interfere with the desirable despatch in 

 the loading and unloading of vessels, but as the commerce of this 

 region is rapidly on the increase, it is believed that a better system 

 will ultimately prevail. 



Every kind of supplies may be had here, and generally at reason- 

 able prices. 



FROM RIO DE JANEIRO TO THE RIO NEGRO. 



Between the 6tli and 25th of January, 1839. 



On the 6th of January, 1839, we got under way and dropped down 

 the bay, but the breeze in a short time left us, and we were obliged 

 to drop our anchor until the sea-breeze set in, which we were favored 

 with at about 10 o'clock, when we made sail and beat out of the har- 

 bor with the last of the ebb tide. In the afternoon we anchored 

 outside the bar, in 20 fathoms, white sand, owing to the breeze failing, 

 as well as to await the return of one of the tenders, which I had de- 

 spatched back to Rio on business : the time was, however, usefully 

 employed in measuring the altitude of the Sugar Loaf. It continued 

 calm until the next afternoon, when the sea-breeze was so light, that 



