R -
I
I .5
. 1 (I
'I!
I
II
^ F! I
' MIL
if; I ,1
i'ii Î
I ' i - If
3 7 0 AP P E N D I X .
in the evening light winds come ofï the land, and continue till sunrise
; when it again becomes calm until the sea-breeze sets in as
before.
During winter (from April to August) light northerly wmds may
be frequently expected, accompanied by thick fogs, or dark lowering
weather ; but this seldom occurs in the summer months, although
even then the tops of hills are frequently enveloped in mist.
To the northward of Callao, the winds are more to be depended
on ; the sea-breeze sets in with greater regulai-ity, and fresher than
on the southern parts ; and near the Umit of the Peruvian territory
(about Payta and off Cape Blanco), a double-reefed topsail breeze is
not imcommon.
It is to be remarked, and may be laid down as a general rule, that
although such moderate winds blow on the coast of Peru, yet sudden
and heavy gusts come over high land after the sea-breeze sets m,
which, from the smallness of the ports, may be attended with some
inconvenience, if precautions are not taken in shortenmg sail previous
to entering them.
The only difference between winter and summer, as far as regards
the winds, is the frequency of Ught northerly airs during the former
months • but in the state of the weather, the difference is far greater
than one would imagine in so low a latitude. In the summer the
weather is delightfidly fine, with the thermometer (Fahrenheits)
seldom below 70°, and often as high as 80°, in a vessel's cabm ; but
during winter the air is raw and damp, with thick fogs and a cloudy
overcast sky. Cloth clothing is then necessary for the security of
health ; whereas in summer the Hghter you are clad, the more conducive
to comfort and health.
The general set of the C U R R E N T on the coast of Peru is along the
shore to the northward, from half a knot to one knot an hour ; but
occasionally it sets to the southward, with equal or even greater
strength.
The period at which these southerly sets take place cannot be ascertained
with any degree of certainty. Neither seasons, the state of
the moon, nor other causes common on almost every coast, seem to
have an influence here. The oldest navigators, and men accustomed
to the coasting trade, can assign no reason for these changes—
they only know that they do take place, and endeavour to profit by
them accordingly.
.il'l'liNUlX.
During our stay on the coast, we frequently experienced these
southerly sets, immediately preceding .uid during northerly winds ;
but as this was not always the case, no general rule c ^ be laid
down, although it certainly appears a natural inference to draw. ^ e
also remarked, that at times the current was setting to the southward,
when a fresh wmd was, and for days previous, had been blowingfrom
that quarter. And as no inequaUties or ¡ " e f » " ' «
the coast line could have occasioned this, it only served to heighten
our curiosity, ^thout affording any clue to discover how the peculiarity
was caused.
O N PASSAOES.
With regard to making passag-es on this coast-little difficulty is
fomid 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 m
working to windward, some degree of skill, and constant attention
are necessary. , . u
Much difference of opinion exists as to whether the m-shore or
off-shore route should be preferred; but from the experience we had
ourselves, and from information gabed from those who were said to
understand the coast, we were led to suppose the foUowing the best
line to follow. .
On leaving Guayaquil or Payta, if bound to CiOlao, woi-k close mshore
to about the island of Lobos de Afiiera. AU agree m this.
Endeavour always to be in with the land soon after the sun has
set that advantage may be taken of the land wind, wHch begms
about that time ; this will frequently enable a ship to make her way
nearly along shore throughout the night, and place her m 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 standmg
off for several 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 approaching the equator.
If from Callao and bound to -Valparidso, there is no question but
m