384- 
GREENLAND VOYAGE. 
The night of Sunday was dark and squally. 
Under the influence of strong tides, the sets of 
which are not well described, we navigated the 
narrows, between Rachlin Island and the dangers 
on the east side of the Mull of Kinho, in much 
anxiety. This channel, subject to bad weather, 
having strong tides in it, and being encumbered 
with various dangers, is in great need of some ad¬ 
ditional lights. There are only two (one at Inis- 
traliull and another at Fannat Point), in the 
whole outlet of the channel from the Mull of Can- 
tyre to the exterior coasts at Barra Head on the 
north, and Tory Island on the south, comprising 
in the two lines of coast an extent of 200 miles*. 
A good light on Rachlin Island would, I con¬ 
ceive, be a great advantage to the navigation, 
particularly as the tides about it are very strong, 
and have various sets, which it is difficult to cal¬ 
culate. Such a light would be a great advantage 
to ships attempting to pass the narrows of the 
channel at night, and particularly to those en¬ 
deavouring to beat through it in the dark. Ano- 
* There is now a light on the Mull of Cantyre ; but 
being on the fixed principle, it can only be seen at a short 
distance on one side, and is intercepted by a point of land 
on the other. It is, however, in a useful position, and will, 
hereafter, become of more importance, as I understand the 
light is about to be improved. 
