PITCAIRN'S ISLAND. 93 
seen before. The winds were variable, but 
blew chiefly from the SS.W., W. andW.N.W. 
We had very seldom a gale to the eastward ; 
so that we were prevented from keeping in 
a high south latitude, and were constantly 
driving to the northward."* 
Pitcairn's Island, distant about 1,200 miles 
from Otaheite, is of volcanic origin. The 
peculiar features of the volcanic islands, of 
which there are several in the South Seas, 
show that they have been elevated from the 
bed of the ocean by the resistless force of 
fire, which has given a vertical character, 
and jagged outline, to their rocky moun- 
tains, and greatly increased the wild beauties 
of their scenery. Pitcairn is in latitude 25 
4' south, and longitude 130 8' west ; and 
the highest point is about 1,008 feet above 
the level of the sea. In clear weather the 
island may be seen at forty miles' dis- 
tance. It is four miles and a half in cir- 
cumference, one mile and a half being the 
* Voyage round the World, by Captain P. Carteret, 
Commander of H. M. Sloop, Swallow, in 1766-7-8-9. Pae. 
sage from Mas-afuera to Queen Charlotte's Islands. 
Chap. iii. 
