APPENDIX. 



251 



between the islands, time would not allow a full examination, and, 

 therefore, there may be dangers that were unseen by us. 



In coming from the southward, after passing Point Paracca, a 

 course may be shaped midway between Blanca Island and the church 

 of Pisco, which will be seen distinctly : this will lead directly to the 

 anchorage. A mile and a half round Point Paracca is a bay, off 

 which a shoal patch extends, with four fathoms on it ; the tail of 

 this bank will be passed in standing towards the anchorage, the 

 water then deepens suddenly, and when abreast of Blanca Island 

 you will have twelve fathoms muddy bottom ; from this depth it 

 decreases gradually to the anchorage. 



In coming from the northward it is all plain sailing ; after passing 

 the Chincha Islands stand in boldly to the anchorage ; the water 

 shoals quicker on this side Blanca Island, but there is no danger 

 whatever. Vessels having to ballast here, should work up and 

 anchor under Shingle Point ; they can lie close to the shore, and 

 boats may load with expedition. 



In coming from seaward this part of the coast may easily be 

 known by the Island of San GaUan, and the high Peninsula of 

 Paracca at the back of it, which make like large islands, the land 

 on each side being considerably lower and falling back to the east^ 

 ward, so as not to be visible at a moderate distance. As the shore 

 is approached the Chincha and BalHsta Islands will be seen ; which 

 will confirm the position, there being no other islands lying off the 

 coast about this parallel. 



From Pisco the coast runs in a northerly direction, a low sandy 

 beach with regular soundings off it, till you reach the River Chincha; 

 from thence commences a clay cliffy coast, which continues as far as 

 the River Canete. From this river to Point Frayle is a beautiful 

 and fertile valley, in the middle of which is situated the town of 

 Cerro Azul. This valley produces rum, sugar, and chancaca, a 

 sort of treacle, for which it is resorted to by coasters. The ancho« 

 rage is W.N.W. from the bluff that forms the cove, three-quarters 

 of a mile distant, in seven fathoms ; nearer the shore the water is 

 shoal, which causes a long swell ; the landing place is on the northern 

 side of the point, on a stony beach, w^here a heavy surf is constantly 

 breaking. 



N. 3S° W., fifteen miles from Cerro Azul, lies the Island of Asia, 

 a round, white island, about a mile in circumference, vrith some rocks 



z 2 



