Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/241

1838.] part of the north side of the island was effected, and its position determined. The soundings off the island rather astonished our friends the Americans, who seldom use any line above thirty fathoms; and the Starling having taking up two positions at anchor in fifty-six fathoms, at one mile and a half off shore, greatly facilitated our measurements. The triangles were extended by the ship and one cutter, and the dimensions on tangental limits determined. Wind and rain put an end to our labours. In Chatham Bay we noticed the rock mentioned by Vancouver, and left on another the Sulphur's name; latitude 5° 33', N., longitude 86° 58′ 22″, W., dip. 23° 55′, and variation 8° 23′ 49″ E., as determined by us.

As the determination of the position of this island, as well as its dimensions, were included in my special instructions, (Vancouver stating it to be four miles, and Colnett four leagues,) I was enabled to put the matter beyond doubt. I suspect both were nearly right, and that if we read Vancouver four miles in diameter, and Colnett four leagues in circumference, the difference will be nothing. The record we have left will, I trust, assist seamen in rating their chronometers, and taking their departures. But the whalers having cut all the wood fit for fuel, they can only reckon upon water.

Our botanical collector observes: "The vegetable productions of this island are more remarkable for