ELLICE'S GROUP. 



257 



GRAN COCAL. 



This island was discovered by Maurelle, in 1781 ; the position 

 assigned it is identical with Sherson's Island, viz., in G° south and 

 176° 36' east longitude. Captain Duperrey places Gran Cocal in 6° 5' 

 south latitude, while this was found by the Expedition to be in 

 6° 19' 30", too great a difference to allow for error in observation ; an 

 equal amount of difference was found in the longitude, Duperrey 

 placing Gran Cocal in 176° 6', a difference of 30'. From a careful 

 examination of the position of Gran Cocal, assigned by Duperrey, I 

 am led to believe it does not exist there. San Augustin was found 

 to coincide in latitude and longitude, by both observers, showing that 

 their instruments and observations were good. The Peacock ran 

 directly over the site of Duperrey's Gran Cocal. The distance be- 

 tween it and San Augustin, which was seen by Captain Hudson, is 

 corroborative proof that neither Hudson nor Speiden Islands can be 

 identical with it. Moreover, it is described as a low island, sur- 

 rounded by reefs and covered with rocks, which does not seem to be 

 reconcilable with either of them. 



SAN AUGUSTIN ISLE. 



San Augustin was discovered by Maurelle, in 1781. It is a low 

 coral lagoon island, 10 miles in length, trending northeast and south- 

 west ; it is well wooded. A particular survey has not as yet been 

 made of it, and therefore I am unable to say if there are any en- 

 trances into its lagoon, or whether supplies can be obtained. It 

 is inhabited; and may be seen from 12 to 15 miles from the deck of 

 a vessel. 



G5 



