TIDAL CURRENTS.

The tidal currents on the ocean bar run with considerable velocity, and as a rule set nearly in the direction of the channels; but on the last of the flood and first of the ebb they tend more or less across the shoals. Abreast of Southport the estimated velocity of the ebb at strength of spring tides is 2.5 to 3.5 knots. At ordinary times a strong flood is felt for a considerable distance above Wilmington, where it runs 5 hours to nearly 7 hours of ebb.

Freshets.-Low-water stages prevail in the rivers above Wilmington from two to four months during the summer, and freshets usually occur as often as once a month during the remainder of the year, but with no regularity.

ANCHORAGES.

The best anchorage is off the town of Southport, about 2 miles above Bald Head Lighthouse, where the depth ranges from 4 to 6 fathoms. This basin has an area of 2,100,000 square feet. At this point the holding ground is good, but on account of the strong tidal currents vessels should anchor with a good scope of chain. This anchorage is sometimes used in winter as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels. Abreast the southern end of Wilmington, on the easterly side of the river north of Alligator Creek, there is a limited anchorage basin with depths ranging from 19 to 26 feet. This basin is approximately 2,000 feet long and has an average width of 1,000 feet.

Vessels are cautioned not to anchor on or near a line from Bald Head Lighthouse to Fort Caswell, on account of the Government submarine cable.

WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Open season for navigation. The channels of this harbor are navigable throughout the year.

Prevailing winds.-The prevailing winds are northeasterly during the winter months and southwesterly during the spring and summer months.

Fogs.-Fogs are most prevalent during the fall and winter months. The average number of foggy days per month is two.

Precipitation.-The mean annual precipitation computed from the Weather Bureau records for 36 years is 51.05 inches. The table below gives the mean precipitation for each month.

Temperature. The mean minimum annual temperature, computed from the Weather Bureau records for 35 years, is 54.5°, and the mean maximum annual temperature is 71.7°. The mean annual temperature is 63.1°. The absolute maximum recorded was 103° on July 12, 1879, and the absolute minimum 5° on February 14, 1899.