INTRODUCTION. xi 



every respect ready, and observe the following in- 

 structions for your guidance : — 



" You are to proceed with all convenient expedi- 

 tion to Rio Janeiro, where you are to complete your 

 provisions and water ; after which you are to make 

 the best of your way round Cape Horn, and endea- 

 vour to make Easter Island ; from whence you are 

 to take your departure, steering for the Society 

 Islands, and passing near the spot where Gomez 

 Island appears in the charts, in order to ascertain 

 whether such island has any existence ; and, in like 

 manner, whether Ducie's and Elizabeth Islands be 

 not one and the same. You will then proceed to 

 Pitcairn's Island at the south-eastern extremity of 

 the groupe of the Society Islands, or, as they are 

 sometimes called, the Georgian Islands, where you 

 will commence a survey of this groupe, proceeding 

 north-westerly to Otaheite. In the execution of 

 this survey it may be found most advisable to 

 anchor, if practicable, every evening, under one of 

 the islands, in order that the situation of the ship 

 may, by these means, be more secure, and that you 

 may be certain that none of them are passed by you 

 unobserved. If, however, you should experience 

 any difficulty in pursuing the route herein pointed 

 out, from the prevailing winds, you will make the 

 best of your way to Otaheite, and proceed from 

 thence in your survey to Pitcairn's Island. 



" During your stay among these or any other of 

 the islands of the Pacific which you may visit, you 

 are to use every possible endeavour to preserve an 

 amicable intercourse with the natives, and to caution 

 your officers and ship's company to avoid giving 

 offence or engaging in disputes with them ; and you 

 are to show them on all occasions every act of kind- 



