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16° S. The deep sea-line sliould be kept in motion; and if
soundings be obtained, the bank should be pursued both ways,
out to the edge, and in to that part already known.
“ Its actual extent to the eastward, and its connection witli
the shoals being thus ascertained, its further investigation may
be left to more convenient opportunities.
“ At Rio de Janeiro, the time necessary for watering, &c.
vnll, no doubt, be employed by the commander in every species
of observation that can assist in deciding the longitude of Vil-
legagnon Island.
“ I t IS understood that a French Expedition is now engaged
in the examination of the coast between St. Catherine’s and
the Rio de la P la ta ; it would therefore be a waste of means
to interfere with that interval; and Commander Fitz-Roy
should be directed to proceed to Monte Video, and to rate
his chronometers in the same situation occupied by Captain
King.
“ To the southward of the Rio de la Plata, the real work of
the survey will begin. Of that great extent of coast which
reaches from Cape St. Antonio to St. George’s bay, we only
know that it is inaccurately placed, and that it contains some
large rivers, which rise at the other side of the continent, and
some good harbours, which are undoubtedly worth a minute
examination. Much of it, however, from the casual accounts
of the Spaniards, seems to offer but little interest either to
navigation er commerce, and will scarcely require more than
to have its direction laid down correctly, and its prominent
points fixed. I t should nevertheless be borne in mind there,
and in other places, that the more hopeless and forbidding any
long line of coast may be, the more precious becomes the
discovery of a port which affords safe anchorage and whole-
some refreshments.
“ The portions of the coast which seem to require particular
examination are—
“ 1st. From Monte Hermoso to the Rio Colorado, including
the large inlet of Bahia Blanco, of which there are three manuscripts
m this office that differ in every thing but in name.
“ 2tlly. The gulf of Todos los Santos, which is studded in
the Spanish charts with innumerable islands and shoals. I t is
said to have an excellent harbour on its southern side, which
should he verified ; but a minute survey of such an Archipelago
would be a useless consumption of time, and it will therefore
be found sufficient to give the outer line of the dangers, and to
connect that line with the regular soundings in the offing.
“ Sdly. The Rio Negro is stated to be a river of large
capacity, with settlements fifty miles from its mouth, and
ought to be partially reconnoitred as far as it is navigable.
“ 4thly. The gulf of San Matias should be examined, especially
its two harbours, San Antonio and San José, and a narrow
inlet on the eastern side of the peninsula, which, if easy
of access, appears to be admirably situated : and—
“ Sthly. From the Balfia Nueva to Cape Blanco, including
the Gulf of St. George, the coast is of various degrees of
interest, and will accordingly require to have more or less
time bestowed on its different parts. The position of Cape
Blanco should be determined, as there appears to be an error
of some miles in its latitude, as well as much doubt about the
places of two shoals which are marked near it in the Spanish
charts.
“ From Cape Blanco to the Strait of Magalhaens, the coast
has been partially corrected by Captain King; and Port
Desire, having been carefully placed by him, will afford a good
place for rating the chronometers, and an opportunity for exploring
the river.
“ Port San Julian, with its bar and wide river, should be
surveyed, as well as any parts of that interval which were not
visited in the last expedition.
“ The above are the principal points of research between
the Rio de la Plata and the Strait. They have been consecutively
mentioned in order to bring them into one point of
view ; but that part of this service would perhaps be advantageously
postponed till after the Beagle’s first return from
the southward ; and, generally speaking, it would be unwise
to lay down here a specific route from which no deviation
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