Funchal Road.J 
TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
21 
mile or two, in the skirt of the north-east wind, until they are off the isoi. 
town, or even off Punta de Cruz, where they generally find a Monday's, 
breeze from the south-west, which takes them to the anchorage. 
This south-west wind is the sea breeze of Funchal ; and during the 
time we lay in the road, it usually set in at eight or nine o'clock in 
the morning, and prevailed as far as three or four miles in the offing, 
till sunset. A variable breeze comes off the land in the night ; at 
which time it is recommended to ships to pass close to Brazen Head 
and tow into the road. 
We found his Majesty's ship Argo lying here ; and I waited 
upon captain James Bo wen, immediately that the ship was secured. 
Lieutenant Flinders was sent, at the same time, to present my re- 
spects to the Portuguese governor, and to ask his Excellency's 
permission to purchase the necessaries of which we stood in need ; 
as also for the scientific gentlemen to make such an examination of 
the natural productions of the island, as our short stay would allow. 
The first request was granted by the governor in polite terms, and 
accompanied with offers of assistance ; but an answer to the second 
was deferred until he should see me. 
This evening the ship was heeled three streaks, when it was 
found that she admitted more than three inches of water per hour ; 
whereas, when upright, it scarcely amounted to one inch. Next 
morning, therefore, the carpenters began caulking two seams above Tuesday 4. 
the copper, all round, whilst the seamen were employed in shifting 
the top masts and examining the rigging. 
By the assistance of Joseph Pringle, Esq., the British consul, 
I procured boats from the shore to be sent for our empty water 
casks ; and an ox was killed for our use, and wine prepared for 
embarkation. His Excellency, the governor, had appointed noon of 
this day to receive my visit ; and I waited upon him in form, accom- 
panied by the consul, who interpreted between us. The governor 
repeated his offers of assistance ; and on being made to understand the 
nature of the excursions which our gentlemen desired to make into 
vol. 1. G g 
