472 
CURRENTS AND WHALING. 
was of the same description as we afterwards experienced in other 
similar cases, namely, an increase. We thus have a fact to aid in 
proving that the opinion generally entertained, that on coming into 
soundings, or near islands, the temperature always falls, is not correct. 
I am of opinion that this diminution only takes place where polar 
streams prevail, and particularly if they be submarine. The obstruc¬ 
tion throws their waters upward, and mingles them with those at the 
surface, which causes the low temperature. It would therefore seem 
as if the existence of polar currents may be shown by a fall of tem¬ 
perature on coming within soundings, and that when this does not 
occur, it may be assumed as certain, that no polar current prevails in 
the neighbourhood. 
Between the Society Islands and the Samoan Group, it may be said 
that there are no currents. The distance is about two thousand miles, 
and our passage occupied fourteen days, during which time the whole 
amount of drift was forty-three miles in a direction N. 9° W. 
On approaching the latter group, the temperature of the water rose 
a few degrees, indicating, according to the view I have already taken, 
that there was no submarine cold current. 
Around the Samoan Group a current appeared to revolve; for on the 
southern side it set continually eastward, while on the northern side it 
set to the west. This current is weakest near the shores, and is not 
fully developed until at some distance from the islands. This pheno¬ 
menon has little connexion with the tides, and does not appear to be 
connected with the general system ; at least I have been unable to 
account for it on general principles. A knowledge of its existence is 
however of importance to the navigator, as advantage may be taken 
of the easterly direction of that part to the south of the islands, in beat¬ 
ing to windward. 
On leaving the Samoan Islands for Sydney, and passing to the west¬ 
ward of the Feejee Group, a current was found setting to the southwest, 
and this prevails beyond the latter islands. 
As we approached Lord Howe’s Island and Bell’s Pyramid, we met 
a current setting north, in which direction our drift on the passage to 
Sydney was one hundred and twenty miles. In the neighbourhood of 
the first-named island, the temperature of the water fell to 66°. After 
this, however, and before making the coast of New South Wales, the 
temperature of the water rose to 73°, and we experienced the effects of 
a stream that sets to the southward parallel to the coast of New 
Holland. This current, like the Gulf Stream, is variable in breadth 
and strength, and at certain seasons of the year runs with great 
rapidity. The occurrence of this stream renders it advisable that 
