that often prevails to the Westward of Scilly. 197 
happen, on finding herself too far to the northward, at the 
first place of observation, after she gets into the current), 
she will, of course, continue much longer in it, and will be 
more affected by it, than if she steered more directly across 
it. She will be in a similar situation, if she crosses it with 
light winds ; and both of these circumstances should be at- 
tended to. And if it be true, as I suspect it is, that the eastern 
border of the current has a more northerly direction than 
the middle of it, this also should be guarded against. I con- 
ceive also, that the stream is broader in the parallel of Scilly, 
than farther south. And here we may remark, that those 
who, from a parallel south of Scilly, have been carried clear 
of it to the north, when approaching it, in the night, may 
esteem themselves fortunate that the current was so strong ; 
for had it been weaker, they might have been carried on the 
rocks. 
2d. A good observation of latitude, at noon, would be 
thought a sufficient warrant for running eastward, during a 
long night : yet as it may be possible to remain in the current, 
long enough to be carried from a parallel that may be deemed 
a very safe one, to that of the rocks of Scilly, in the course 
of such a night ; it would appear prudent, after experiencing 
a continuance of strong westerly gales in the Atlantic, and 
approaching the Channel with light southerly winds, either to 
make Ushant, or at all events to keep in the parallel of 48°, 
45', at the highest. If they keep in 49 0 , 30', they will expe- 
rience the whole effect of the current, in a position where 
they can least remedy the evil : but if in 48°, 45', they are 
assailed by the north-west current, they are still in a po- 
sition from whence a southerly wind will carry them into the 
MDCCXCIII. 2 D 
