518 APPENDIX. 



netic equator as you can, (it is approximately marked on your chart,) 

 making daily dip and intensity observations as far as 172° W. ; about 

 which position you will fall in with the Phoenix Group, consisting of 

 several small islands, some of which I have already examined and 

 placed them on your chart. The most northern one I have seen, is 

 Enderbury's, with a few bushes on it, in latitude 3° 08' S., longitude 

 171° 08' 30" W. To the northward of this lies one or two, said to 

 have extensive reefs around them. You will explore the sea hereabouts, 

 from longitude 172° 30' to 170° 30' W., and from the line to latitude 

 5° S. By beginning from the northward and working to the south- 

 ward, you will be enabled to fall in with all the islands in succession. 

 The currents are at times strong to the eastward, and therefore it will 

 be necessary for you to keep your station during the night. 



I wish you to ascertain particularly the existence of Phoenix Island: 

 some are inclined to believe it one and the same with Birnie's, in the 

 same latitude, and about thirty miles to the westward. Also sight 

 Sydney Island ; on the chart, Hull's Island is about forty-five miles to 

 the westward of it: night prevented me from seeing it. After you 

 have satisfied yourself of having thoroughly explored this little group, 

 you will proceed to the southward, passing near to Fletcher's Island, 

 and those of the Duke of York, and Clarence, which you will survey, 

 land upon, and have communication with the natives, for they are 

 said to be inhabited. Thence southward, to the island of Gente Her- 

 mosas of Quiros, said to exist to the westward of its situation on the 

 charts of Arrowsmith ; examine both localities (that of the charts and 

 to the westward of it) well, for an island certainly exists thereabouts ; 

 and from thence to Apia, Upolu, of which island you will make a 

 careful survey, and also of its harbours, particularly those of its south 

 side, viz.: that of Falialili and Sanapu, and of any others, having the 

 latitude carefully observed there, and longitude by chronometer, as 

 also the sea-soundings, for there are soundings a long distance off 

 shore. 



There is also a harbour at the east end of Savaii, which has 

 escaped the brig : I wish this examined. Mr. Mills, the missionary, 

 and Mr. Cunningham, will be able to give you some information re- 

 specting it. 



After you have completed your duties at Upolu, you will proceed 

 to Savaii, and anchor in the harbour of Mataata, which harbour you 

 will particularly survey. A copy of the sketch made by the Porpoise 

 is hereby furnished you. Do not delay here more than three days, as 

 it may be found an unsafe harbour at this season, being open to the 

 north. Thence proceed to the westward, to Ellice's Group, which 



