102 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



and Saken Islands, previous to which both Tike and Taiara may be 

 sighted ; and after passing through the channel between Raraka, 

 Saken, and Tahanea, the wind will generally permit a vessel to pass 

 to the eastward of that island, when the sea will be clear until the 

 20th parallel is reached. 



Another route, still more eastward, may be recommended, which is, 

 making the Disappointment Group, and holding a southeasterly 

 course, to make Ahangatou, and thence pass Amanu, Han, Harris, 

 Nganaiti, Teku, Hereheretua, Matilda, and Cockburn Islands. Great 

 doubt still exists concerning the Island of St. Juan Batiste : it has not 

 been seen since the time of Quiros, 1603 ; but I have not felt autho- 

 rized to expunge it from our chart, for we ourselves verified his dis- 

 coveries of the Four Crowns, Archangel, and St. Pablo. 



On the routes that I have pointed out, reference has been had to 

 the winds, and the probability of a vessel experiencing those pre- 

 vailing in this part of the Pacific. It is very evident that the 

 islands may be passed through in all directions, by those who are 

 acquainted with them, or feel disposed to incur the risk ; but I have 

 felt it my duty to sketch what in my opinion are the safest routes, 

 and those I would myself endeavor to pursue. On these routes 

 there are islands where a vessel may obtain a shelter, as well as all 

 the products that are to be found in this group. 



In entering the lagoon of any island, it would not be advisable to 

 attempt it, unless the current should have ceased setting in ; off the 

 entrance, the direction of the current will always be known by the 

 race, that is readily perceived either on its influx or reflux. 



CLERMONT DE TONNERRE.* 



This island has been the subject of much dispute, in consequence of 

 its being identified with that of Minerva Island. Captain Duperrey saw 

 it in 1825, and as it did not coincide with that of Minerva Island, he 

 believed it to be a new discovery, and gave it the name of Clermont 

 de Tonnerre. Undoubtedly he was correct, for if it was seen by the 

 Minerva, it was so erroneously described, as not to be entitled to 

 credit ; and although corresponding in situation, I have retained the 

 name of Captain Duperrey. 



* For the position of islands and points, reference is made to the table of latitudes 

 and longitudes. 



