PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
345 
aliment ; but after the first effort of the breeze, it died away and left ’ 
us becalmed in a heavy jST. W, swell. 
Off the harbour of San F rancisco there is a bar which extends from ; 
the northern shore, gradually deepening its water until it approaches the 
peninsula on the opposite side*, where nine fathoms may be carried 
over it. Of this bar, however, we were ignorant, and naturally steered 
directly for the harbour, in doing which the depth of water gradually 
diminished to five fathoms. This would have been of no consequence, 
had it not been for a swell which rolled so heavily over the bank that 
it continually broke ; and though our depth of water was never less than 
4^ fathoms, the ship on two or three occasions disturbed the sand with 
her keel. The tide was unfortunately against us, and the swell pro- 
pelled the ship just sufficiently fast for her to steer without gaining 
any ground, so that we remained in this situation several hours. 
At length a breeze sprung up, and we entered the port, and dropped 
our anchor in the spot where Vancouver had moored his ship thirty- 
three years before. As we passed the entrance, a heavy sea rolling 
violently upon a reef of rocks on our leftf bespoke the danger of ap- 
proaching that side too close in light or baffling winds ; while some 
scattered rocks with deep water round them skirting the shore on our 
right, marked that side also as dangerous ; so that the entrance may be 
justly considered difficult. Beyond these rocks, however, near the fort, 
there is a bay in which, if necessary, ships may drop their anchor. 
The fort, which we passed upon our right, mounts nine guns, and 
is built upon a promontory on the south side of the entrance, ap- 
parently so near to the precipice, that one side will, before long, be 
precipitated over it by the gradual breaking away of the rock. Its 
situation, nevertheless, is good, as regards the defence of the entrance; 
but it is commanded by a rising ground behind it. As we passed, a soldier 
protruded a speaking-trumpet through one of the embrasures, and hailed 
us with a stentorian voice, but we could not distinguish what was said. 
This custom of hailing vessels has arisen from there being no boat be- 
* The best part for crossing is with the island of Alcatrasses in one with the fort, 
t This reef lies three quarters of a mile from Punta Boneta. 
Y Y 
