176 
LEAVE ASCENSION. 
Expedition*. Much difficulty was experienced in 
setting the instrument up, but this was happily accom- 
plished in time for the first term day after our arrival 
fixed by the Royal Society, and all the succeeding 
ones were kept until the Expedition sailed for England. 
A great many observations were also made with Fox’s 
and other instruments at difierent positions on the 
island. 
Thursday, March IQth . — The fresh arrangements 
consequent on the change of circumstances having been 
completed, we sailed for Cape Coast Castle at 7'30 
p.M. Our comrades in the ‘Albert’ gave us three 
parting cheers, as did also a barque lying in the roads. 
We were no less than ten days going from Ascen- 
sion to Cape Coast Castle. The winds were at first 
S.E., until we had crossed the line, when they became 
variable, and then south-westerly. On approaching 
the coast, the clouds — in the form of cumidi, and 
sometimes assuming the threatening aspect of the 
“arch” — intimated the vicinity of the tornado re- 
gions. The air was charged with moisture, and the 
advantage of the plan of sending hot and dry air 
through all the compartments of the vessel, from the 
engine-room, was very evident. 
As w^e passed near the supposed position of the 
island of St. Matthew, we felt for it v^ith the lead, 
but could obtain no soundings. 
* Alluded to in chap. ii. voL i. 
