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. 261 from Payta sometimes call here with a mixed cargo, and they get in exchange sugar and a Httle grain. Refreshment may be obtained from the neighbouring towns, but wood is scarce. The water of the river is brackish and unfit for use but there are wells on the left bank, a short distance from the huts. When taken on board, this water is not good ; but, contrary to the general ride, after it has been some time confined on board, it becomes wholesome and pleasant tasted. When at a distance, the best mark to distinguish this bay, is Mount Division, a hill with three sharp peaks, situated on the peninsula be- tween Samanco and the Bay of Ferrol. There is also a bell- shaped hiU on the south side of the bay that shows very distinctly. Mount Tortuga, a short distance inland to the N.N.E., wiU also be seen : it is higher, and similar in appearance to the Bell Mount. The south entrance point is a steep bluff, with some rocks lying off it to a cable's length ; on opening the bay. Leading Bluff will be seen, a large lump of rock on the sandy beach at the N.E. side, that looks like an island. In going in, give Samanco Head a berth in passing you may then stand in as close as convenient to the weather shore, and anchor off the village in four, five, or six fathoms, sandy bottom : when rounding the inner points, take care of your small spars ; for the wind comes off the BeU Mount in sudden and variable puffs. N. 43° W., three leagues from Samanco, is the entrance to the Bay of Ferrol, nearly equal in size to Samanco, and separated from it by a low sandy isthmus ; it is an excellent place for a vessel to careen, being entirely free from the swell that sets into most of the ports. On its N.E. side is the Indian village of Chimbote, where, we were told, refreshment of any kind might be had, but no water. The entrance is clear ; but there is a reef of rocks off Blanca Island, half a mile to the northward, which must be avoided. N. 40° W., two leagues from the entrance of Ferrol, is Santa Island : about a mile and a half in length ; lying N.N.E. and S.S.W., and of a very white colour ; just without it are two sharp- pointed rocks, twenty feet above the sea. Two miles N.N.E. from the island is Santa Head, on the north side of which is the harbour of that name. This, although small, is a tolerable harbour ; the best anchorage is in four or five fathoms, with the extreme of the head bearing S.W. Fresh provisions and vegetables may be obtained on moderate terms. It is also a tolerable place for watering.