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

250 APPENDIX. several peaks on it. Off this end are some detached rocks, tlie nor- thern of which has the appearance of a nine-pin, and shews dis- tinctly. S. J E., at the distance of a mile from its south extreme, lies the Pinero Rock, which is much in the way of vessels bound to Pisco from the southward; it is just level with the water's edge, and in fine weather can always be seen; but when it blows hard (which it sometimes does through this channel) and a weather tide is running, there is such a confused cross sea that the whole space is covered with foam, rendering it difficult to distinguish the rock ; at such a time the shore should be kept well aboard on either side, and when in a line with the outer extreme of the island and the white rock off Point Huacas, you vdU be within the rock and may steer for Point Paracca ; on rounding which you will open the Bay of Pisco. This extensive bay, formed by the Peninsula of Paracca on the south, and the Ballista and Chincha Islands on the west, is the principal port of the province of Yea. The to^vn of Pisco is built on the east side, about a mile from the sea ; and is said to contain three thousand inhabitants, who derive considerable profit from a spirit they distil, known by the name of Pisco or Italia, great quantities of which are annually exported to different parts of the coast : sugar is also an article of trade, but the pisco is the staple commodity. Refreshment may be obtained on reasonable terms : wood is scarce excellent water may be had at the head of Paraccas Bay, under the south cluster of trees, two miles from the fishing village of Paracca the landing there is very good, and the wells are near the beach. The best anchorage off the town is vnth. the church open of the road, bearing E. 14° N., in four fathoms, muddy bottom, three- quarters of a mile from the shore. A heavy surf beats on the beach with rollers to the distance of a quarter of a mUe off, rendering it dangerous to land in ship's boats ; launches built for the purpose are used in loading and discharging vessels ; but at times even these cannot stand it, and all commxinication is cut off for two or three days together. There are four entrances to this capacious bay : that to the south- ward already named; between San Gallan and the Ballista Islands; between those and the Chincha Islands ; and the great or northern entrance ; aU of which, from appearances, may be safely used ; but.