432 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP whale ships employed in the North Pacific Ocean. In the springtime 
these vessels assemble here to the number of forty or fifty sail at a time, 
and take on board large supplies of vegetables and fruit, as sea stock, to 
1827. enable them to remain upon their fishing ground until the autumn, 
when many of them return to the port. The fresh provision which 
they procure at these islands is of the greatest advantage to the crews 
of the whalers, who would otherwise be afflicted with scurvy ; and the 
goods which they give in exchange are very acceptable to the inhabitants. 
A number of idle dissolute seamen however, discontented with their 
ships, generally remain behind, and live in the public houses until their 
money and clothes are expended, or attach themselves to females, and 
in either way become dependent upon the inhabitants for food. These 
characters do infinite mischief to the lower order of the natives, by en- 
couraging them in intemperance, debauchery, idleness, and all kind of 
vice ; nearly sufficient of themselves to counteract all the labours of the 
missionaries in the diffusion of morality and religion. 
The harbour is formed by a coral reef, which extends along the 
coast from the Pearl River to Wytiete Bay, but connected with the 
shore at intervals, so as to impede the passage of vessels. The entrance 
is very narrow and intricate, and vessels are generally towed in early 
in the morning before the breeze freshens. There is a rock nearly in 
mid-channel upon which the sea generally breaks. Sometimes indeed 
it breaks quite across the entrance, and renders it necessary at that 
time, in particular, to employ a pilot. The depth in the channel at high 
water is about eighteen feet ; but as I did not make a plan of this port, 
in consequence of Lieutenant Malden of the Blonde having so recently 
executed all that was necessary in that respect, I cannot speak positively. 
In sailing along the reefs in boats it is necessary to keep at a considerable 
distance in consequence of the sea rising very suddenly, and when it 
breaks being very apt to fill or upset them; and boats should not at 
any time pull for the entrance until they have gained a proper station 
off* it. I refer to the directions in my nautical remarks for finding this 
station, and also for further information regarding this port. 
The climate of the Sandwich Islands is more refreshing than that 
of Otaheite, although the group is scarcely farther from the equator. 
I am not aware that any register has been kept for a whole year at 
