FACILITIES FOR STEAM NAVIGATION. 301 



and their success ascertained^ their number will 

 be augmented as the increase of intercourse 

 may render it expedient. 



Facilities for Steam Navigation in the Pacific 

 Ocean. 



Perhaps in no part of the world is there to 

 be found a field for steam operations^ which 

 offers so many advantages as the South Pacific 

 Ocean : a mild and smooth sea, uninterrupted 

 by storms or tempests ; a bold and clear coast, 

 free from shoals and dangerous reefs ; an 

 abundance of good harbours, accessible at 

 all times and seasons, and the climates of 

 those regions are for the most part temperate 

 and healthy. These remarks are applicable 

 to nearly the whole extent of coast from Chile 

 to Panama : it may be observed, however, 

 in respect to Chile, that the south winds are 

 strong ; but within a league of the coast, they 

 do not l)low more than eight hours out of the 

 twenty-four. The remainder of the day is nearly 

 or quite calm. In the winter season there are 

 strong north winds occasionally, in the latitude 

 of Valparaiso, but they seldom last more than 

 twelve or twenty-four hours ; indeed there are 

 no winds to interrupt the operations of steam- 

 ers. The ports of deposit are safe and secure. 



