Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

90 MEMORANDUM. verse direction of the tides. Sweepstakes Foreland may prove to be an Island ; if so, there may be found an useful outlet to the long lee-shore that extends from Cape Monmouth ; and if not, perhaps some safe ports might be discovered in that inter- val for vessels caught there in strong westerly gales. " It is not likely that, for the purposes of either war or commerce, a much more detailed account will be necessary of those two singular inland seas, Otway and Skyring Waters, unless they should be found to communicate with one of the sounds on the western coast, or with the western part of the Strait. The general opinion in the former Expedition was cer- tainly against such a communication, and the phenomena of the tides is also against it ; still the thing is possible, and it becomes an interesting geographical question, which a detached boat in fine weather will readily solve. " These several operations may probably be completed in the summer of 1833-34, including two trips to Monte Video for refreshments ; but before we finally quit the eastern coast of South America, it is necessary to advert to our present igno- rance of the Falkland Islands, however often they have been visited. The time that would be occupied by a rigorous survey of this group of islands would be very disproportionate to its value ; but as they are the frequent resort of whalers, and as it is of immense consequence to a vessel that has lost her masts, anchors, or a large part of her crew, to have a precise know- ledge of the port to which she is obliged to fly, it, would well deserve some sacrifice of time to have the most advantageous harbours and their approaches well laid down, and connected by a general sketch or running survey. Clear directions for recognizing and entering these ports should accompany these plans ; and as most contradictory statements have been made of the refreshments to be obtained at the east and west great islands, an authentic report on that subject by the Commander will be of real utility. " There is reason to believe that deep soundings may be traced from these islands to the main, and if regular they would be of great service in rectifying a ship's place.