PASSAG'E S. 



G7 



The currents on the passage from the coast were variable, and 

 nearly neutralized each other ; the amount we found to have influ- 

 enced us during the passage was north 57° east, only 17 miles. At 

 other seasons of the year the currents may be stronger, and more in 

 favor of the vessel bound to the west. To judge from our experience, 

 it would appear that these westerly currents are influenced by the 

 westerly monsoon, for the currents that are known to prevail during 

 this portion of the year in the Pacific set in an opposite direction. 



On this passage we had an opportunity of verifying the positions of 

 the Island of Clermont de Tonnerre and that of Serle Island, and to 

 prove the non-existence of Minerva Island. Whether the latter is 

 identical with either is a matter of little moment to navigators. The 

 existence of a separate island it was necessary to disprove, and in so 

 doing it involved the position of the two others ; and although neither 

 can be, from the description, identified as Minerva Island, yet if it 

 existed, it must from its position lie between them. In order to re- 

 concile the various observations, it is most probable that the Captain 

 of the Minerva saw the northwest end of Clermont de Tonnerre, as 

 his description of the island is totally at variance with the truth, un- 

 less this is admitted. Both the latitude and longitude would warrant 

 the belief that such was the case. I have therefore supposed it iden- 

 tical with Clermont de Tonnerre, and not Serle Island. 



There were no perceptible currents experienced during the period 

 we were cruising among the Paumotu Group. We had many oppor- 

 tunities of trying the current, but none was found ; neither did the 

 position of the ships, when hove to, or beating to windward, indicate 

 any, and I feel warranted in the belief that at other seasons of the 

 year none will be found to exist. The operations of the Porpoise 

 were not at all impeded by them in this group in the months of De- 

 cember and January. 



The passage from the coast of South America to the Society Islands 

 is ordinarily made in about 40 days. 



The Island of Tahiti, is the most resorted to, particularly its har- 

 bors on the north side, from Point Venus on the east to Papieti on 

 the west. This island may be seen some 80 miles, in clear weather, 

 but ordinarily not beyond 40 or 50 miles. The peaks are seldom 

 seen, being usually covered with clouds. In approaching the harbors 

 of Tahiti, it is decidedly advantageous to do so from the eastward, or 

 windward. A pilot may be found in the offing, yet no one need have 



