PASSAGES. 



71 



of 16° 30' north latitude, for islands that were said to exist there- 

 abouts. Instructions were given to deviate from the direct route for 

 this purpose. If it had been intended that the most direct course 

 should be pursued, orders would have been given to cross the equator 

 in from 130° to 135° west longitude, thence to steer direct for the 

 island of Hawaii. This course would carry a vessel sufficiently far 

 from the coast to avoid the winds which affect the steadiness of the 

 trades more to the eastward, between the latitudes of 10° to 15° 

 north ; besides, a vessel would derive the greatest benefit from the 

 equatorial current. The time occupied on this route, in an ordinary 

 sailing ship, should not be over 35 days. 



FROM THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS TO SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES. 



Between the 20th of September and the 31st of October, 1839. 



Forty-one days were occupied by the Relief in making this passage. 

 The route was direct, passing between the Phoenix and Ellice's 

 Groups, to the westward of the Feejee Islands, and a short distance 

 to the east of New Caledonia. The equator was crossed in 172° west 

 longitude, in ten days after leaving Oahu. The winds were fresh from 

 the northeast, until reaching the parallel of 9° north latitude, when 

 they gradually veered to the southeast, and continued from that 

 quarter without cessation until they reached the latitude of 30° south. 

 These were succeeded by winds from the north and northwest, which 

 continued to Sydney. 



The currents felt, to the latitude of 9° north, were to the west ; 

 thence to latitude 4° north, to the east-northeast ; after which the 

 equatorial current was experienced to latitude 7° south ; from which 

 parallel to the latitude 18° south the set of the current was to the 

 east-southeast; the next nine degrees, or as far as latitude 27° south, 

 it took a southwest direction, and then an easterly one. The weather 

 was remarkably fine, and the passage considered a short one. 



FROM SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES, TO CAPE HORN AND RIO JANEIRO. 



Between the 20th of November, 1839, and the 29th of January, 1840. 



This passage occupied a period of 70 days, and is to be considered 

 short. The route taken was by Cook's Straits, between the islands of 



