P A S.S AGE S. 



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Raoul or Sunday Island, the most northern of the Kermadec Islands. 

 The winds were variable, which was also the case with the currents. 

 The course was a direct one. The passage might have been per- 

 formed in less time, if we had gone to the eastward of the Ker- 

 madec Islands ; by which route, I am of opinion, we should have 

 found the southeast trades in a higher latitude. These islands, 

 situated in latitude 30° south, exert considerable influence on the 

 course of the trades, and produce calms in their neighborhood, par- 

 ticularly to the westward. In sailing to the Friendly Group, Eooa is 

 the best to sight ; it is high, and may be seen at a considerable dis- 

 tance. At some seasons currents are said to prevail off these islands, 

 setting to the westward ; but we experienced none. 



On this passage, Vasquez Island was searched for, in latitude 

 24° 44' south, and longitude 174° 25' west; but without success. 



Intending to enter the harbor of Tongataboo by the Astrolabe Gut, 

 a vessel should be off its eastern entrance at an early hour of the 

 day, to take advantage of the sea-breeze or trade which then usually 

 sets in. The Gut is 9 miles long, and contracts from 2 miles at its 

 mouth to a quarter of a mile in width at its western terminus, and 

 is difficult to navigate unless with a fair wind. Coral reefs border 

 each side, and no anchorage can be had until the western end is 

 reached, where the island and reef of Magonha separate it from the 

 harbor. The channels on either side of this island may be taken ; 

 though narrow, they are perfectly safe, and after passing through 

 safe anchorage is found in the spacious harbor, well protected by 

 the surrounding land and the outlying reefs, which are of great ex- 

 tent. The anchorage near the island of Pangaimotu is the best, but 

 that off the town of Nukualofa is usually preferred, being more con- 

 venient for obtaining supplies. The shore-reef is of great extent, 

 bare at low water, making it extremely difficult to land in boats, so 

 that intercourse with the shore is generally limited to the time of 

 high water. 



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