April 1830. 



PASSAGE OF TilE NARROW. 



357 



noticed any current, we observed a strong rippling in the 

 Narrow, and immediately sent the boats a-head to tow us 

 towards mid-channel. We proceeded rather quickly until 

 we arrived at 2, when our progress was checked, and we were 

 carried rapidly back, as far as 2. In the Narrow the tide was 

 evidently against us ; but in crossing to the N.W. at 4, we 

 were forced by the counter-current against all the efforts of the 

 boats — were carried close to the large island — and for the space 

 of thirty yards, w^ere brushing the overhanging trees with our 

 main-boom. This part was, most fortunately, quite steep ; for 

 had the vessel touched in her swift course, she must have been 

 swung with violence against the rocks, and much damaged, per- 

 haps irreparably. 



" No sooner had we passed the end of this island, than we 

 were shot into mid-channel to 5, and then as suddenly and 

 swiftly carried back by the stream of the tide. The boats could 

 never keep hold of the vessel while in these whirlpools ; and it 

 was several times fortunate that they had cast off the tow-rope 

 in time, for thrice we were twisted round, as if on a pivot, by 

 those violent eddies. 



" A favourable moment was seized, the boats were again 

 sent a-head ; and, by great exertions, we were towed out of the 

 influence of the tide, and then waited for the time of slack 

 water. 



" At three o''clock Mr. Kirke was sent to Guard Point, to 

 ascertain the time of high water ; and at half-past four, in con- 

 sequence of his signal, we towed in with both boats, and passed 

 the islands with a favouring tide ; but one quarter of a mile 

 farther, we met ripplings, which we had no sooner entered than 

 a reverse of tide was found, as if the waters from the sounds 

 were gradually forcing back the tide of the channel. We still, 

 however, made progress to the S.W. ; but it was not before 

 eight o''clock that we anchored in the west entrance of this 

 Narrow, pleased, indeed, to be again secure, and to have 

 escaped unharmed. 



" 24th. Thick, hazy w^eather in the morning ; but at eight 

 o'clock it cleared a little, so we weighed, and soon reached the 



