APPENDIX. 



311 



The Falkland Islands, Tierra del Fuego,* the west part of Pata- 

 gonia, the shores of the Chonos Archijielago, and Chil6e,t those of 

 Chile and Peru, and the Galapagos Islands, have bold coasts, with 

 deep water near them ; — in such places the lead is of less importance. 

 Most lurking dangers are buoyed by kelp ; but where they are not 

 so distinguished, the lead would hardly warn the seaman of them, 

 because rocks usually rise so abruptly. A careful and experienced 

 eye at the masthead, another perhaps on the fore-yard or at the jib- 

 boom end, a manageable quantity of sail, under which the vessel 

 may be instantly brought to the wind or hove in stays, and a good 

 estimation of distances by the commanding officer will be of more 

 consequence in frequenting these coasts, than either lead or directions. 

 San Carlos and the Narrow of Chacao are remarkable exceptions. Both 

 banks and rocks are there to be guarded against — by chart, eye, and 

 lead, however, rather than by lengthy directions, which sometimes 

 perplex more than they assist. Of these a particular plan is given 

 iu the map which accompanies the first volume of this work. 



Remarks upon the winds, weather, and climate of each of the 

 southern portions of the South American coast have already been 

 given in various pages of this work ; but I will add some more, refer- 

 ring particularly to the outer coast of Tierra del Fuego, previous to 

 saying a few words on the passage round Cape Horn. 



Some Observations upon the Appearance and Character of the Sea 

 Coast of Tierra del Fuego ; a brief Description of the Anchorages ; 

 and a few Remarks upon the Seasons, Wind, and Weather. 



From Cape Pillar to Cape Horn the coast of Tierra del Fuego is 

 very irregular and much broken; being, in fact, composed of an 

 immense number of islands. It is generally high, bold, and free 

 from shoals or banks ; but there are many rocks nearly level with 

 the surface of the water, distant two and even three miles from the 

 nearest shore, which make it very unsafe for a vessel to approach 

 nearer than five miles, excepting in daylight and clear weather. The 

 coast varies in height from eight to fifteen hundred feet above the sea. 



* Except the northernmost and the eastern shores, 

 t Except San Carlos de Chiloe. 



