The Arcas are a dirty little anchorage for large ships, being but an open roadstead, affording good shelter only from the north.

There is a very small basin between the two reefs, running off from the northern island, fit for very small vessels, where they could be made secure against northerly and southerly winds; but everywhere they would be exposed more or less to wind from the westward.
_Sunday, January 4th_ .-- Weather clear, with the wind fresh from the S.E., dying away in the afternoon.

Having determined to get to sea this evening, we commenced getting our coal-bags on board from the barque, omitting the usual Sunday muster.

Busy with the seamen, as usual on such occasions, sending home their allotments, &c.

The weather begins to portend a norther, so I have directed the engineer to hold on with his steam for the present.
_Monday, January 5th_ .-- It did not blow last night as I expected.
This morning the wind has gone round again.