86 
CBUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGEB. 
on the west coast of Africa. The south-east trades 
now compelled us to alter course, and we stood to 
the westward so as to reach St. Paul’s Eocks, nearly 
900 miles distant. The Guinea current had been in- 
vestigated ; and it was found we had fallen in with 
the Equatorial current, which continued with us until 
we were near the coast of Brazil. The dredgings 
obtained were particularly rich and interesting, and 
the frequent soundings showed we had been sailing 
over an average depth of 2200 fathoms. 
On the 27th August land was reported, and as we 
neared St. Paul’s Eocks, so the little pinnacles in the 
midst of the ocean became clearer and clearer. There 
was deep water close to ; so we secured to the lee-side 
bv means of a lar^e hawser. 
The rocks are situated in 0° 58' north latitude, and 
29° 15' west longitude. They are 540 miles from 
the coast of South America, and 350 from Fernando 
Noronha. The highest point is only about 60 feet 
above the level of the sea. In moderately fine 
weather a landing can usually be effected. Hundreds 
of sea-birds frequent them ; but there was not a single 
plant or moss to be found, nor any fresh water to be 
obtained. 
During the two days of our stay the rocks were 
alive with surveyors, naturalists, and others. Fish 
was to be obtained in abundance. A thorough geo- 
logical examination was made, with a view to test 
the practicability of erecting a lighthouse, as a menu- 
