NORTH PACIFIC ISLANDS. 



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islets are low, but covered with wood, and can be seen some 10 miles 

 in fine weather. Several other navigators have sighted these isles : 

 they agree very nearly as to the position we assign it in longitude, 

 though differing somewhat in latitude, and the trending of the reef. 

 I am satisfied that the positions above given are correct, the result of 

 good observations made close to the island. The islets not being in- 

 habited do not offer any refreshments for vessels, nor is there any an- 

 chorage. In the season, from August till October, turtle may be found 

 on it. 



GASPAR RICO ISLAND. 



Gaspar Rico Island was discovered by the early Spanish navigators, 

 who placed its position in latitude 14° 30' north, and longitude 168° 

 42' east. As there have been many situations of this island reported, 

 I determined to make search from 175° 30' west to 174° east longi- 

 tude, and between the parallels of 14° 30' and 15° 10' north, in order 

 to prove if any island did exist resembling that cluster. But after 

 careful and close examination by daylight, there was no indication of 

 land seen. The search I consider sufficient to disprove the existence 

 of any island within this space. 



CORNWALLIS ISLAND. 



The position of Cornwallis Island, in latitude 16° 50' north and 

 longitude 169° 30' east, was passed over by the Expedition, but no 

 traces of land seen. I am inclined to believe, with other authorities, 

 that it is to be considered identical with that of Smyth's, in west lon- 

 gitude. That it does not exist in the above situation, or within 50 

 miles of it, on its supposed parallel, I am well assured, as we searched 

 from the eastward to the westward more than that distance on it. 

 Another locality of a doubtful island, in the neighborhood of the 

 position of Cornwallis, viz., in latitude 16° north, and longitude 

 171° 40' east, was also passed over, but nothing was perceived which 

 indicated land. 



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