30 



MEMOllANDUM. 



verse direction of the tides. Sweepstakes Foreland may prove 

 to be an Island ; if so, there may be found an useful outlet ta 

 the long lee-shore that extends from Cape Monmouth ; and if 

 not, perhaps some safe ports might be discovered in that inter- 

 val for vessels caught there in strong westerly gales. 



" It is not likely that, for the purposes of either war or 

 commerce, a much more detailed account will be necessary of 

 those two singular inland seas, Otway and Sky ring Waters,, 

 unless they should be found to communicate with one of the 

 sounds on the western coast, or with the western part of the 

 Strait. The general opinion in the former Expedition was cer- 

 tainly against such a communication, and the phenomena of the 

 tides is also against it ; still the thing is possible, and it becomes 

 an interesting geographical question, which a detached boat in 

 fine weather will readily solve. 



" These several operations may probably be completed in 

 the summer of 1833-84, including two trips to Monte Video 

 for refreshments; but before we finally quit the eastern coast 

 of South America, it is necessary to advert to our present igno- 

 rance of the Falkland Islands, however often they have been 

 , visited. The time that would be occupied by a rigorous survey 

 of this group of islands would be very disproportionate to its 

 value ; but as they are the frequent resort of whalers, and as 

 it is of immense consequence to a vessel that has lost her masts, 

 anchors, or a large part of her crew, to have a precise know- 

 ledge of the port to which she is obliged to fly, it would well 

 deserve some sacrifice of time to have the most advantageous 

 harbours and their approaches well laid down, and connected 

 by a general sketch or running survey. Clear directions for 

 recognizing and entering these ports should accompany these 

 plans ; and as most contradictory statements have been made 

 of the refreshments to be obtained at the east and west great 

 islands, an authentic report on that subject by the Commander 

 will be of real utility. 



" There is reason to believe that deep soundings may be 

 traced from these islands to the main, and if regular they would 

 be of great service in rectifying a ship"'s place. 



