348 



HYDROGRAPHY". 



over them, yet generally it is dangerous to approach too near, or 

 through the kelp on any part of this coast. 



After the Bay of San Francisco is entered, and all the islands are 

 in sight, if bound to San Francisco, steer for Yerba Buena Island 

 direct. If the flood tide is in its strength, shorten sail in time, and 

 anchor in a clear berth. The vessels usually anchor between the 

 city and the Island of Yerba Buena. A vessel may drop anchor any- 

 where within Fort Point and Alcantras, avoiding the shoal which lies 

 off the Presidio. If the intention be to anchor in Sausalito Bay, steer 

 for the Island of Angelos, and after having opened out the Bay of 

 Sausalito, haul in for it gradually, to preserve the wind, and avoid 

 the set of the ebb, if it should have made, which might carry a vessel 

 back, and prevent her reaching the anchorage, which is well up the 

 bay, in from 5 to 7 fathoms water. 



Ships making the Southern Farallones should steer for the coast an 

 east-northeast course, if the wind is to the southward of west : this 

 will bring them sufficiently to the southward, and will enable them, 

 after making out the entrance, to steer in for it, on a northeast-by 

 east half east course, which leads over the bar in the deepest water, 6£ 

 fathoms. On the south end of the bar the soundings are deeper, and 

 all the dangers are in sight. On the above bearing, Alcantras will 

 be seen nearly on with Fort Point, which course may be pursued, 

 taking the precaution not to be set too near the Fort. If entering on 

 the ebb, steer for mid-channel, in order to avoid being set upon either 

 shore. If swept into Lobos Bay by the ebb, it would be advisable 

 to anchor. There is a passage inside of Mile Rock, but it ought 

 not to be used except in cases of necessity. The wind from the north 

 and westward is the most favorable time to enter and depart. It 

 seldom blows from the east, and when it does, it rarely reaches 

 beyond the entrance : a vessel is then left to the tide, and liable to be 

 carried among the rocks on either side : the depth of water is too 

 great to anchor. With the westerly wind a vessel may beat out, but 

 it will take some hours to get beyond the capes. This bay is often 

 enveloped in dense fogs, and generally a thick haze prevails, which 

 renders the land indistinct to a stranger. There are no dangers, 

 except those above mentioned, and it is not difficult to feel one's way 

 into this fine port, through the aid of the soundings, during the con- 

 tinuance of fogs, or in the night time. 



