There is only 8 hours daylight running through the straits in mid-winter. The strait passage is safe for steamers, but vigilance and caution are necessary. For a vessel with full or auxiliary steam power, the difficulties and dangers in navigating the strait either way, are the same that are experienced in narrow channels. And close harbors of the same latitude elsewhere. At Cape Froward squalls are exceptionally heavy; the seamen will frequently find a change of weather too heavy, rain or snow, and may expect that the shores will often be invisible.
Sandy Point
About 2 1/2 miles S. SW of Sandy Point, is a Chilean settlement; population about 4000. It is built on the summit of a bank about 30 ft. high. This place, so I have heard, is healthy in all seasons; no epidemic diseases. There is a Captain of the Port; also a health officer, but no method of enforcing any regulations. The port is free. All sorts of livestock, fresh meat and vegetables can be obtained here. Fishing is good. Cardiff coal can also be obtained from a hulk which lies over the wreck of the "Doteree". Steamers call here four times a month, and communicate. No railway of any sort.
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