76 Transactions. 



The position of Eapa is in 27i° S. latitude, and 144° W. longitude ; 

 about 700 miles S.E. of tlie Society group, and some 4° S. of the tropic of 

 Capricorn, and as nearly as possible two-thirds of the distance between 

 Panama and Wellington. 



A^ery little was generally known about the island till lately, and nothing 

 of its being favoured with so perfect a harbour. The finding it out was 

 the result of very many inquiries I made from every one I could hear of 

 who had been to the South Sea Islands, as to the existence of some suitable 

 spot where we might have a coal depot ; for, on the establishment of the 

 Panama service, I was so impressed with the desirability, if not necessity, 

 of some stopping-place near the route, that I used every effort for months 

 endeavouring to find one. At last I was rewarded for my pains by hearing 

 of Eapa. Its situation, just on the outer verge of the Southern Archipelago 

 and in the direct track (not the direct line) between Panama and New Zea- 

 land, makes it particularly advantageous as a place of call in case of acci- 

 dent or deficiency of fuel. 



And, speaking of the track of the steamers between New Zealand and 

 Panama, I will for an instant advert to the difference of route in going 

 towards Panama and returning from it. 



Leaving Welliiigton we adopt what is called the " great circle " course, 

 which, though apparently roundabout, is in reality the direct and shortest 

 line to Panama. Now, in returning from Panama to Wellington we appear 

 to adopt a much straighter course, but it is really somewhat longer. This 

 is readily explained by reminding you that we are not sailing upon a level 

 but a curved surface. Take a round body to represent the earth, a thread 

 stretched between any two points is evidently the shortest distance between 

 them, and, viewed in a line with the centre, is straight. This should be the 

 ship's course. But on the chart generally used this straight line will appear 

 a curve, and all the straight lines (meridians excepted) are raally curves. 

 And although Mercator's projection, as it is called, is the most simple for 

 the ordinary purposes of navigation, yet it has led many people, and even 

 seamen, to have confused ideas uj)on this very simple subject. In the track 

 upwards to Panama the winds are frequently found favourable, because the 

 course lies principally in the well-lvuown belt of westerly winds. Prom 

 Panama we keep further north, through the heart of the easterly or trade 

 winds prevailing generally, though varying with the seasons, between the 

 equator and the southern tropic. In this part of the voyage the winds are 

 less favourable than the other, and particularly in the latter part. Trying to 

 avoid the westerly or adverse winds which prevail further soiith, we adopt 

 this track, which brings us close to Eapa, from which, I fear, you will think 

 J have made too long a digression, 



