NAUTICAL REMARKS. 
643 
met the S. E. trade-wind, which carried us across the equator in 24° 20' W., and left us in 5° N. 
latitude. It was there succeeded by strong south-west winds, attended by a long swell from 
the same quarter. This continued to 15° N., and was succeeded by the N. E. trade, which 
prevailed as far as 27° N. and 35° W. We had here six days calm, and then variable winds, 
with much bad weather and long seas from the northward, aud did not arrive in England 
until fifty-one days after our departure from Rio. Had we been farther westward when the 
N. E. trade failed, the passage would have been shortened, and as at this season N. W. 
winds prevail on the coast of America, I should endeavour on another occasion to arrive at a 
more westerly longitude before I outran the trade-wind. 
The current in this passage was very different to that which we experienced on the 
outward voyage, and was no doubt influenced by the strong S. W. winds. From the tropic 
of Capricorn to the equator it ran N. 88° W. a hundred and fifty-one miles, or ten miles per 
day, and from that latitude to the termination of the S. E. trade S. 66° W. twenty-five miles 
a day. Here we encountered the winds from the westward, which, while they lasted, occa- 
sioned a current to the eastward at the rate of twenty-six miles a day. With the N. E. trade 
there was very little in any direction. 
OBSERVATIONS ON THE COAST OF CHILI. 
CONCEPTION. 
During the summer months southerly winds prevail along this coast, and occasion a 
strong current to the northward. It is advisable, therefore, to make the land well to the 
southward of the port, unless certain of reaching it before night. Punta Rumena appears to 
me to be a preferable land-fall to that of Saint Mary’s Island, which has been recommended, 
as it may be seen considerably further, and has no danger lying off it. But should the latter 
be preferred, it may be known by its contrast to the mainland, in having a flat surface and 
perpendicular cliffs, as w’ell as by a remarkable peaked rock off its N. W. extremity *. If 
the port cannot be reached before dark, it would be advisable to bring to the wind, 
between Saint Mary’s and the Paps of Bio Bio, as there will almost always be found a 
southerly wind in the morning to proceed with. In doing this, take care of the Dormido 
Bank, lying off the N. W. end of Saint Mary’s. Having daylight to proceed by, close the 
land near the Paps of Bio Bio, and, keeping one and a half miles from the shore, keep 
along the coast of Talcahuana Peninsula. 
Should the Paps of Bio Bio be clouded, the land about them may still be known by the 
opening into Saint Vincent’s Bay, and by the land receding in the direction of the Bio Bio 
river, as well as by high rocks lying off the points. The capes of Saint Vincent’s Bay on both 
sides are high and terminate abruptly, and the south one has a large rock lying some distance 
off it. The northern cape is tabled, and has a small tuft of trees near its edge. Table land 
extends from here to Quebra Ollas. The Paps viewed from the westward appear like an 
island ; the wide opening of the Bio Bio being seen to the southward, and Saint Vincent’s 
Bay to the northward. The high rocks off the capes, at the foot of the Paps, are an additional 
* This rock bears S. $3» 08' W., true, from the Look-out HiU, Talcahuana, and is 24' 48" W. of it. 
latitude is 32" 58' 10" S., as found by Mr. Forster. 
4 N 2 
Its 
