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

APPKNUIX. 271 During our stay on the coast, we frequently experienced these southerly sets, immediately preceding and during northerly winds ; but as this was not always the case, no general rule can be laid douTi, although it certainly appears a natural inference to draw. "We also remarked, that at times the current was setting to the south- ward, when a fresh wind was, and for days previous, had been blow- ing from that quarter. And as no inequalities or irregularities in the coast Hne could have occasioned this, it only served to heighten our curiosity, without affording any clue to discover how the peculia- rity was caused. On Passages. With regard to making passages on this coast — little difficult)^ is found in going northward ; a fair offing is all that is requisite to ensure your making a certain port in a given number of days ; but in working to windward, some degree of skill, and constant attention are necessary. Much difference of opinion exists as to whether the in -shore or off-shore route should be preferred ; but from the experience we had ourselves, and from information gained from those who were said to understand the coast, we were led to suppose the following the best line to foUow. On leaving Guayaquil or Payta, if bound to CaUao, work close in- shore to about the island of Lobos de Afuera. All agree in this. Endeavour always to be in with the land soon after the sun has set, that advantage may be taken of the land wind, which begins about that time ; this will frequently enable a ship to make her way nearly along shore throughout the night, and place her in a good situation for the first of the sea-breeze. After having passed the before-named islands, it would be advisable to work up on their meridian, until you approach the latitude of Callao ; then stand in, and if it is not fetched, work up along shore, as above directed. Some people have attempted to make this passage, by standing off for Jveveral days, hoping to fetch in on the other tack, but have invariably found it a fruitless effort, owing to the northerly set that is experienced on apjDroaching the equator. If from Callao and bound to \^alparaiso, there is no question but