162 



THE LAST CRUISE OF THE CARNEGIE 



This corresponds to an altitude of about seven miles. It is not 

 a remarkable record for land-stations ; but seems quite a feat when 

 one realizes that we were on a small vessel in choppy seas. Any- 

 one who has used a sextant will appreciate the terrific nervous 

 and physical strain involved in following an object for such a 

 long time. 



The Carnegie Hove-to for an Oceanographic Station in the Pacific 

 Only enough sail is carried to keep the ship headed into the wind. 



We were now nearing the famous "riddle of the Pacific" — Easter 

 Island. No mail awaited us, no clubs or theatres to offer relaxa- 

 tion from the two months of scientific routine ; but everyone looked 

 forward impatiently to a sight of land. We made a great loop 

 to the southeast of the island to clear the strong trade-winds, and 

 then headed northward and sighted Rano Kao Volcano on Decem- 

 ber 6. After skirting the Bird Rocks of legendary fame we 

 anchored in the foul ground of Cook's Bay, opposite the village 

 of Hangaroa. 



