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

APPENDIX. 251 between the islands, time would not allow a Ml examination, and, therefore, there may be dangers that were unseen by us. In coming from the southward, after passing Point Paracca, a course may be shaped midway between Blanca Island and the church of Pisco, which will be seen distinctly : this will lead directly to the anchorage. A mile and a half round Point Paracca is a bay, off which a shoal patch extends, with four fathoms on it ; the tail of this bank wiU be passed in standing towards the anchorage, the water then deepens suddenly, and when abreast of Blanca Island you will have twelve fathoms muddy bottom ; from this depth it decreases gradually to the anchorage. In coming from the northward it is all plain sailing ; after passing the Chincha Islands stand in boldly to the anchorage ; the water shoals quicker on this side Blanca Island, but there is no danger whatever. Vessels having to ballast here, should work up and anchor under Shingle Point ; they can lie close to the shore, and boats may load with expedition. In coming from seaward this part of the coast may easily be knovm by the Island of San Gallan, and the high Peninsula of Paracca at the back of it, which make like large islands, the land on each side being considerably lower and failing back to the east- ward, so as not to be visible at a moderate distance. As the shore - is approached the Chincha and Ballista Islands will be seen ; which will confirm the position, there being no other islands lying off the coast about this parallel. From Pisco the coast runs in a northerly direction, a low sandy beach with regular soundings oiF it, till you reach the River Chincha; from thence commences a clay cliffy coast, which continues as far as the River Canete. From this river to Point Frayle is a beautiful and fertile valley, in the middle of which is situated the town of Cerko Azul. This valley produces rum, sugar, and chancaca, a sort of treacle, for which it is resorted to by coasters. The ancho- rage is W.N.W. from the bluff that forms the cove, three-quarters of a mile distant, in seven fathoms ; nearer the shore the water is shoal, which causes a long swell ; the landing place is on the northern side of the point, on a stony beach, where a heavy surf is constantly breaking. N. 39° W., fifteen miles from Cerro Azul, lies the Island of Asia. a round, white islcuid, about a mile in circumference, with some rocks z 2