62 ISLAND OF CALERMONT TONNERRE. 



CHAPTER V. 



FROM CALLAO TO SOCIETY ISLANDS. 



AT 5.30 P. M., July 13th, we quitted Callao, with a light 

 breeze from the southward and westward, " Vincennes," " Por- 

 poise," and " Flying Fish," in company. 



The day following, it being Sunday, Mr. Elliot, the chaplain 

 of the " Vincennes," came on board and performed divine 

 service. 



August 5th. During this day the heat was exceedingly 

 oppressive, although the thermometer did not at any time 

 stand higher than 80. In the evening zodiacal lights were 

 visible until half-past eight. In the course of the night many 

 meteors were observed, some of which were remarkable for 

 their brilliancy. At meridian, the latitude was 18 08' 30 

 south, and longitude 122 25' 45" west. 



August 13th. At 1.30 P. M., made the Island of Caler- 

 mont de Tonnerre, bearing west-by-south half-south, and 

 distant about six miles. 



At first sight the island appeared like a forest growing in 

 the middle of the ocean, so low is the land. It is of coral* 



* The collective labors of united lithophytes raise their cellular dwellings on the 

 crust of submarine mountains, until after thousands of years the structure reaches 

 the level of the ocean, when the animals which have formed it die, leaving a low, 

 flat coral island. How are the seeds of plants brought so immediately to these new 

 shores ? by wandering birds, or by the winds and waves of the ocean ? The distance 

 from other coasts makes it difficult to determine this question ; but no sooner is the 

 newly raised islands in direct contact with the atmosphere, than there is formed on 

 its surface, in our northern countries, a soft, silky net-work, appearing to the naked 

 eye as colored spots and patches. Some of these patches are bordered by single or 



