414 APPENDIX. 



knolls, which render necessary a good look-out from aloft, 

 and even the precaution of keeping a boat ahead. As the 

 islands afford only a supply of water, the anchorage under 

 Mount Duff is the most desirable. 



The best channel to enter by lies on the eastern side of the 

 group, to the southward of all the coral islands ; and with 

 Mount Duff bearing N. 39^ W., true, m one with the south 

 tangent of the easternmost high island. With these marks 

 steer boldly over the reef, upon which there is in this part six 

 fathoms water, and pass close to the southern extreme of the 

 island, before in one with Mount Duff. Then keeping a boat 

 ahead, proceed under easy sail for the anchorage, about a 

 quarter of a mile south of Mount Duff, the peaks bearing 

 about north, true : but do not attempt to go to the northward, 

 as all that part of the lagoon is full of reefs and knolls. In 

 this situation a ship will be abreast of two streams of good 

 water; but there will be some difficulty in procuring it, on 

 account of the ledges of coral which surround this and all the 

 other islands. As the ground is rocky, it is advisable to use a 

 chain cable. There are several other anchorages, and water 

 may also be had at the north-eastern island, but this appears 

 to me to be, on the whole, the most convenient. 



There are also other passages over the reef; and the islands 

 lying to the south-east may be passed on either side, but those 

 which I have recommended are the best and most convenient 

 for navigation with ihe trade wind. The western channel 

 must not be attempted, and all the south-western part of the 

 group should be avoided as dangerous. The best passage to 

 sail out at bears about S., true, from Mount Duff, the eastern 

 bluffs of Peard Island, upon which Mount Duff is situated, m 

 one. Tliis mark will lead over the bar in six and a quarter 

 fathoms. Though this channel lies to leeward of the group, 

 there is generally a very heavy sv.'ell upon the reef; and it 

 would not be advisable to attempt it in light winds, as there 

 is no anchoring ground outside ; and the swell and the cur- 

 rents, which sometimes run strong, might drift a vessel upon 

 a shallow part of the bar, either to the eastward or westward 



