84 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



east, and cross the calms in the most eastern longitude, and as quickly 

 as possible ; it likewise shows that the calms are of less width, though 

 more difficult to pass through, in the spring. As was proved, the 

 error committed in the Vincennes was in not keeping by the wind, 

 and therefore too far to the west, thus falling under the lee or in- 

 fluence of the currents of air in the neighborhood of the Hawaiian 

 Group, which detained us. The information received from those who 

 were supposed to be well informed upon the subject, induced me to 

 take this course, expecting to meet the northwest and westerly winds 

 in a low latitude, and consequently be in a situation to take full 

 advantage of them. The plan I should have adopted was, to stand 

 directly to the north, or to the northward and eastward, and thus 

 make a more easterly route. This the Peacock did, and the first part 

 of her passage was made in much less time. I would, in making the 

 passage again, in the spring or summer, expect to have east and 

 southeast winds to latitude 40°, making as direct a course as they 

 would permit towards the part of the coast for which I was bound. 

 All vessels may expect to meet with fogs and hazy atmosphere between 

 latitudes 33° and 40°. This space may be very truly called the 

 region of fog, the temperature of the water decreasing some 15° ; and 

 what perhaps is more remarkable, on a near approach to the coast, it 

 again rises. 



The navigation from the Columbia River to the Straits of Fuca 

 requires some care. There is a current setting upon the coast, of 

 some force, during the spring months. In our passage we expe- 

 rienced it, and came very nearly meeting with a serious accident off 

 Destruction Islet, near Cape Grenville. Fogs usually prevail until a 

 late hour in the morning, and care should be taken to keep a good 

 offing. The distance from shore may be readily ascertained by the 

 soundings, and it would be advisable, in unsettled weather, or fog, 

 not to approach nearer than 90 fathoms water, which will be found 

 at the distance of 35 miles from the coast, muddy bottom. If, in 

 standing along the coast, the water should become of a light green, 

 and the waterfowl be numerous, no time should be lost in changing 

 the course : it is not safe to approach the coast nearer, as there are 

 many outlying rocks on which a vessel may strike. This is parti- 

 cularly the case in the neighborhood of Cape Flattery, near the 

 entrance to the Straits of Fuca. The coast runs a little to the west- 

 ward of north ; but it may with proper precautions be considered safe, 



