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. 317 Capt. King's, Chapt. 24, in Vol. 1, and the following brief remarks, I hope they may prove useful to a stranger to the passage round Cape Horn : but he will doubtless avail himself also of what has been written on this subject by other persons, especially Weddell. In going westward, Captain King recommends keeping near the eastern coast of Patagonia, and " after passing Staten Island, if the wind be westerly, the ship should be kept upon the starboard tack, unless it veer to the southward of S.S.W. until she reaches the lati- tude of 60° S." — (vol. i. pp. 464-5.) I do not think keeping near the eastern coast of Patagonia of importance to a large or strong vessel ; smoother water is found near that coast, it is true, but cur- rents set to the northward alongshore more strongly than in the open sea. Icebergs, however, are never found in sight of that land, though they have been met farther eastward, to the north of forty degrees south latitude. Instead of going into sixty, south latitude, I should prefer working to windward, near the shore of Tierra del Fuego ; — through NassauBay ; where anchorages are numerous, and easy of access. In Orange Bay, or farther south, a ship may await a favourable time for making a long stretch to the westward : if foiled in one effort, she may return, or seek for anchorage under Noir Island, in Euston Bay, or elsewhere, until a better opportunity occurs. To make westing ought to be the principal object, in my humble opinion, till the meridian of about 82° is reached.* Icebergs are not found near the land of Tierra del Fuego, but they are frequently met with at a distance from it. By adopting this plan of passing through Nassau Bay, or near Cape Horn, much labour and dainage may be avoided, because a ship may lie quietly at anchor during the worst weather, and be ready to profit by any advantageous change. * Ei§fhty degrees will be far enough west for a fast-sailing- ship ; but eighty-five degrees M'ill not be too westerly for a dull saileh