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. 263 is situated the city of Truxillo, and at the northern extreme, the village and road of Huanchaco. This is a bad place for shipping, and seems to have been badly chosen : the north side of the hUl of Carretas is a much better place for landing and embarking goods ; and might be farther improved by sinking some small craft laden with stones, plenty of which the hill would aiFord. The road of Huanchaco is on the north side of a few rocks that run out from a chffy projection ; sheltering the land in a slight de- gree, but affording no protection to shipping. The village is under the cliff, and not distinguishable till to the northward of the point but the church, which is on the rising ground, shows very distinctly, and is a good guide when near the coast. The usual anchorage is with the church and a tree that stands in the village in one, bearing about east, a mile and a quarter from the shore, in seven fathoms dark sand and mud. Vessels often have to weigh or slip and stand off, owdng to the heavy swell that sets in : it is also customary to sight your anchor once in the twenty- four hours, to prevent its being imbedded so firmly as to require much time to weigh it when required. Landing cannot be effected in ship's boats ; there are launches con- structed for the purpose, manned by Indians of the village, who are skilful in the management of them : they come off on your arrival, and will land you safely, for which they charge six dollars, equal to one pound four shillings sterhng : it is to be remembered that no more is charged for a cargo of goods ; their having to risk the surf being that for which you pay. Fresh provisions may be had from Truxillo, but watering is out of the question. The city is said to contain 4,000 inhabitants. Rice is the principal production of the valley ; for that article and specie it is that vessels call here. If bound for this road, you should stand in on a parallel of 8°, (which is a mile to vdndward), and you vrill see Mount Campana, a bell-shaped mount, standing alone, about two leagues to the north- ward : and Huanchaco Peak, which is very sharp, and the first hUl in the range on the north side of the valley. Shortly after the church vtdU come in sight, and the shipping in the road. The coast is cliffy for a few miles to the northward of Huanchaco ; the low sandy soil with bushes on it then commences, with regular soundings off it, and continues as far as Malabrigo Road. This bay