DEEPEST SOUNDING . 
273 
Leaving the Admiralty Islands on the 10th March, 
a course was shaped for Yokohama, with the inten- 
tion of reaching Guam, one of the La drone Islands. 
We lost the trades in lat. 17° north, and after that 
had a succession of easterly, north-easterly, and 
baffling winds, from every point of the compass 
except where it was wanted, thus preventing our 
visiting either the Carolines or Ladrones, which were 
passed some 100 miles to leeward. On the 23rd 
March, in lat. 11° 24' north, and long. 143° 16' east, 
bottom was touched at 447 5 fathoms, the deepest 
successful sounding made during the whole cruise. 
Specimens from that depth showed a dark volcanic 
sand, mixed with manganese. In consequence of the 
enormous pressure at that depth (some five tons on 
the square inch) most of the thermometers were 
crushed. However, one stood the test, and showed a 
temperature of 33*9°, the surface temperature being 
80°. Three other attempts were made to determine 
the temperature of water at these great depths, but 
in every instance the instruments came to the surface 
in a damaged condition. 
We were clear of the Tropics on the 1st April, but 
in consequence of the continued light winds, and re- 
peated soundings and dredgings, the thirty-two days 
at sea passed somewhat wearily and monotonously. 
Three months from Hong Kong ; but the longest 
voyage, like the longest lane, must come to an end 
at last. 
