§ SIR JAMES ELPHINSTONEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If he has taken any and what steps to obtain a complete and accurate survey of the Straits of Magellan, which has now become the most frequented route to the Western Coast of South America?
§ MR. GOSCHENNine years were devoted to the survey of the Straits of Magellan and the immediate neighbourhood by the late Admirals King and Fitzroy, between the years 1826 and 1836. In the year 1866, in anticipation of the increased intercourse between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by the Straits of Magellan, a surveying ship was again sent to that region, and during the three years she was employed there a complete and accurate survey was made of the intricate eastern portion of the Straits, where dangerous shoals exist and strong tides prevail. The western portion, which is deep and broad, and where few dangers are to be met with, was also rectified; and, in addition, the narrow channels which run along the western shores of Patagonia from the Straits of Magellan for about 350 miles to the north were reexamined, and their more intricate parts minutely surveyed. The whole of these surveys have been published by the Admiralty, with minute directions for their navigation, and the largest steamships now navigate these regions in safety.