236 THE LAST CRUISE OF THE CARNEGIE 



sent down from San Francisco. A new Coast Survey type of 

 sounding-apparatus had to be installed, customs-formalities re- 

 quired attention, and the apparatus aboard must be cleaned and 

 repaired for the voyage to Samoa. Seiwell made a short trip 

 inland to collect fresh-water plankton from the lakes. Soule 

 availed himself of the break in oceanographic routine by making 

 some changes in the electrical salinity-outfit. 



Among the many excursions made by members of our party 

 were a visit to Cook's monument at Venus Point, and a circular 

 tour of the Island by automobile. Readers will recall that James 

 Cook was commissioned by the British Crown to observe the 

 transit of Venus at Tahiti in his first voyage in the Endeavour 

 (1768-1771). These observations were successfully made on a 

 high point of land not far from Papeete, and a bronze tablet now 

 commemorates the event. The automobile route along the coasts 

 of Tahiti must be classed as one of the most magnificent in the 

 world. Jagged peaks, tinted coral beaches, palm-groves, pic- 

 turesque waterfalls, and bold lava-cliffs, are passed in panorama, 

 with the resounding surf of the fringing reefs and the outlines of 

 the neighboring islands in the distance. 



During the drive several halts were made at the homes of 

 various members of the local community. The visits at Dr. 

 Williams' and at Major Hawkins' were among the most delightful. 

 Dr. Williams has long been a resident here and is now the British 

 Consul. Major Hawkins, who proved to be a hearty host, lives 

 in a house previously occupied by Gouverneur Morris, the author. 

 These men have lived unique lives and have each developed his 

 own philosophy from a life of travel. 



Among those who entertained us in Papeete were Governor and 

 Madame Bouge; Sir and Lady Skip with; and Mr. Dobson from 

 the United States. We attempted to return the courtesies of all 

 these people by giving a party on board. The Victrola did its 

 best to furnish music for dancing. There were about one-hundred 

 guests so that the quarter-deck was more than filled to capacity. 



While in port we had many occasions to call on Oscar Nordman 

 to furnish us with automobiles and to arrange for our deck-party. 

 He was at one time cabin-boy on the Galilee and was now operating 

 a hotel and garage in Papeete. 



