CHAPTER XII. 



EL LICE'S GROUP. 



Ellice's Group embraces the following eight islands, viz., Funafuti, 

 Nukufetau, Oaitupu, Nederlanditch, Speiden, Hudson's, Gran Cocal, 

 and San Augustin. These trend in a northwest and southeast di- 

 rection, and are comprised between the latitudes of 5° and 9° south, 

 and the longitudes of 175° and 180° east. 



Much discrepancy has existed relative to the position and the num- 

 ber of islands within the area embraced in this group, but they are 

 now all known and correctly located, although during the visit of the 

 Expedition there was not time for minute surveys of all the islands ; 

 the great detention it would have caused, prevented this desirable 

 object from being effected. 



This group I think is identical with what has been called Mitchell's, 

 although there is nearly a degree difference in the longitude. The 

 Peacock and Flying-Fish of the Exploring Squadron passed near its 

 reported locality, but did not see anything of it. 



Around these islands there is but little current ; at the season of 

 the year it was visited by the vessels of the Expedition there was 

 none. The prevailing winds are from the northeast and east. These 

 are intermitted by the monsoons, which prevail from the months of 

 November till March, occasionally blowing strongly from the north 

 to west, with thick and squally weather, accompanied with much rain 

 and lightning. 



There are reasons for believing that another island exists about 50 

 miles to the east of Oaitupu, but I have not sufficient confidence in 

 its position to warrant me in giving it a place among the group. I 

 have, however, marked it as doubtful, believing that it may be 

 another position for Oaitupu or Tracy's Island. 



G4 



