270 



APPENDIX. 



in the evening light winds come off the land, and continue till sun- 

 rise ; when it again becomes calm until the sea-breeze sets in as 

 before. 



During winter (from April to August) light northerly winds may 

 be frequently expected, accompanied by thick fogs, or dark lowering 

 weather ; but this seldom occurs in the summer months, although 

 even then the tops of hills are frequently enveloped in mist. 



To the northward of Callao, the winds are more to be depended 

 on ; the sea-breeze sets in with greater regularity, and fresher than 

 on the southern parts ; and near the limit of the Peruvian territory 

 (about Payta and off Cape Blanco), a double-reefed topsail breeze is 

 not uncommon. 



It is to be remarked, and may be laid down as a general rule, that 

 although such moderate winds blow on the coast of Peru, yet sudden 

 and heavy gusts come over high land after the sea-breeze sets in, , 

 which, from the smallness of the ports, may be attended with some 

 inconvenience, if precautions are not taken in shortening sail previous 

 to entering them. 



The only difference between winter and summer, as far as regards 

 the winds, is the frequency of light northerly airs during the former 

 months ; but in the state of the weather, the difference is far greater 

 than one would imagine in so low a latitude. In the summer the 

 weather is delightfully fine, with the thermometer (Fahrenheit's) 

 seldom below 70°, and often as high as 80°, in a vessel's cabin ; but 

 during winter the air is raw and damp, with thick fogs and a cloudy 

 overcast sky. Cloth clothing is then necessary for the security of 

 health ; whereas in summer the lighter you are clad, the more con- 

 ducive to comfort and health. 



The general set of the Current on the coast of Peru is along the 

 shore to the northward, from half a knot to one knot an hour ; but 

 occasionally it sets to the southward, with equal or even greater 

 strength. 



The period at which these southerly sets take place cannot be ascer- 

 tained with any degree of certainty. Neither seasons, the state of 

 the moon, nor other causes common on almost every coast, seem to 

 have an influence here. The oldest navigators, and men accus- 

 tomed to the coasting trade, can assign no reason for these changes — 

 they only know that they do take place, and endeavour to profit by 

 them accordingly. 



