PASSAGES. 



81 



having crossed the equator on the tenth day, and making the passage 

 from the Samoan Group in 27 days; being only 17 days from the 

 line, while the Vincennes and Peacock were respectively 26 and 33. 

 I would not assert that this fully establishes the fact of its being a 

 better route ; for the Samoan Group lies some 500 miles to the east- 

 ward of where the two ships crossed the same parallel. This easting 

 may be considered a full equivalent for the difference in length of the 

 passages ; but I feel satisfied, after making a careful examination of 

 the whole route, that it is also due to the prevalence of more favor- 

 able and stronger winds. 



The Flying-Fish crossed the equator in the same longitude as the 

 Porpoise. Passing to the eastward of all the small groups, she pre- 

 served the southeast trades, and made the passage in 33 days : this 

 length of passage cannot be compared with that of the other vessels, 

 the schooner being well adapted for plying to windward, and only 

 shows the prevalence of fresh southeast winds. 



The weather, so far as respects its general character, appears to 

 have been nearly similar with all. The currents on the western track 

 were more variable in direction than those to the eastward, in the 

 same latitudes, and of greater velocity. All experienced the north- 

 easterly set of the current between 4° and 9° of north latitude. After 

 entering the northeast trades they encountered a strong westerly set, 

 averaging 15 miles in 24 hours, and this continued to the latitude of 

 the Hawaiian Islands. 



It will now be apparent that there is no necessity for vessels bound 

 to the northward and eastward across the Pacific Ocean, to make for 

 the northern variables, as has heretofore been the practice, — thus 

 making a very circuitous course and occupying a much greater portion 

 of time, besides subjecting themselves to encounter much bad weather. 

 This, however, is not to be understood as applying to vessels to the 

 westward of 180° longitude: they ought to make the shortest pos- 

 sible stay within the trades ; and if this course is determined upon, 

 they should steer due north, without regard to making easting, until 

 they have fully entered the variables. It is, however, at times very 

 doubtful where they will encounter them ; and as far as our expe- 

 rience goes, and that of other navigators whom I have consulted, 

 they ought not to be expected short of 27° to 30° of north latitude, 

 to which parallel the trades often reach. The great difficulty seems 

 to be, with many, that on the first wind from the west being en- 



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