SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS. 



251 



The next south of Raoul is Macauley. It is distant from it 50 

 miles. The formation of the island is similar to that of Raoul, but in 

 size it is much smaller. 



Curtis Island lies south half west of Macauley, and 20 miles from 

 it. It is divided into two small, rocky, naked islets, separated a 

 quarter of a mile from each other. 



Esperance Rock is of small size, but high ; it lies 45 miles to the 

 south of Curtis Island. 



To this small group I add the Rosarette Rock : it lies 35 miles to 

 the west of Curtis Island ; it was discovered in 1810. I think there 

 is no doubt of the existence of this Rock ; but the Rosarette Reef, 

 laid down on the charts, in the same latitude and in 173° 40' east 

 longitude, there is ; but in the absence of reliable information relative 

 to it, I have deemed it proper to retain it on the chart. 



MINERVA REEF. 



The Minerva Reef was discovered by Captain Nicholson, in 1818. 

 The discoverer encountered what he thought was two reefs ; but it is 

 now known to form but one. On this the Ship Minerva was lost, 

 in 1831, near the southwest end. The reef trends northeast and 

 southwest ; is 45 miles in length; at either end the sea breaks. It 

 is dangerous, and correctly laid down. The Peacock passed near 

 this reef. 



MACQUARIE ISLAND. 



Macquarie Island was discovered in 1811. It is much broken in 

 surface, of volcanic formation, and rises to the height of 1500 feet 

 above the sea. It has no port or anchorage, and landing on it is at 

 all times difficult. Off its north end lie two small islets, called the 

 Judge and Clerk, while two others, of a similar appearance, arc situated 

 off its south end, which have been named the Bishop and Clerk : 

 both have the appearance of basaltic rocks. The first two are distant 

 from the island 5 miles ; the latter, 25 miles. 



The south end of Macquarie Island lies in 54° 44' south latitude, 

 and 159° 49' east longitude. The island has no trees or shrubs, but 

 is covered with a tall rank grass. The currents near the island are 



