250 PHENOMENON. 



When we reached the tropic, a brisk trade- 

 wind carried us quickly to the Sandwich Islands, 

 and on the 12th of September we already saw 

 the Mou-na-roa quite clearly, at a distance of 

 a hundred and twenty-four miles, rising high 

 above the horizon. On the following morning, 

 we again dropped anchor before the harbour of 

 Hanaruro, after a sail of thirty-five days from 

 New Archangel. 



As I only intended to take in a supply of 

 fresh provisions and water, and then continue 

 my voyage without farther delay, I considered 

 it unnecessary to run into the harbour, and re- 

 mained in the roads, although the south-wind to 

 which they are exposed is sometimes dangerous 

 to ships riding there. This wind, however, 

 blows only at certain seasons, and is always an- 

 nounced by an over-clouded sky, long enough 

 to afford time for taking shelter or standing out 

 to sea. 



On the morning after our arrival, a remark- 

 able phenomenon occurred, of which we were 

 witnesses throughout its duration. While the 

 heavens were quite clear, a thick, black cloud 

 formed itself over the island, resting its lower 



