64 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. [December, 
than the Cape of Good Hope itself, being in latitude 34° 40' south, 
longitude 18° 26' east; whereas the latter is in latitude 34° 20' 
south, longitude 20° 20' east. At this point, the chain of naoun- 
tains which forms the peninsula, though rugged, is lower than it is 
at the northern end, where it is terminated by Table Mountain 
and two others, which form an amphitheatre overlooking Table 
Bay, and opening at the north like the bay itself. The ridges of 
the mountains extending from the cape to the termination of the 
peninsula on the north vary in shape, but the most frequent forms 
incline more or less to sharp conical points. The three moun- 
tains that terminate the peninsula on the north are, the Table 
Mountain in the middle; the Lion's Head, sometimes called the 
Sugarloaf, on the west side ; and the Devil's Peak on the east. 
The Lion's Head, which is about 2160 feet above the level of the 
sea, is separated from Table Mountain by a valley that descends 
to the depth of 1 500 or 2000 feet below the summit of Table 
Mountain, which is itself 3582 feet above the level of the sea. 
On the west of the Lion's Head there is a lower eminence, named 
the Lion's Rump, 1142 feet high, from which the ground grad- 
ually declines to the sea. The amphitheatre formed by these 
three mountains is about five or six miles in diameter, in the 
centre of which is placed Cape Town, before which the gallant 
Potomac now lay safely moored, sheltered from every annoying 
blast that might, at this season of the year, threaten to disturb the 
placidity of her repose. Between May and October, this remark 
would not be applicable. 
On the arrival of vessels in Table Bay, as in most other places, 
a proper anchorage is pointed out for them by the captain of the 
port. When discharging their cargoes, they are to be moored as 
near the jetty as safety will permit. Vessels touching for refresh- 
ments are allowed to ride at single anchor, with a long scope of 
ninety fathoms of chain, as they run less risk of parting or fouling. 
It is recommended that ships be kept as snug as possible, to 
counteract the effect of periodical winds, which at times blow 
with considerable violence. Too much praise cannot be be- 
stowed upon the local authorities for the wise measures they have 
adopted to counteract the occasional violence of the winds, sudden 
and destructive in their effects. Certain signals have been adopted 
by the postoffice, from which vessels iti port may receive timely , 
