Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/28

 xxii examined the Galapagos, and therefore, till that is ascertained, your time should not be occupied there.

Cocos Island is stated by Vancouver to be only four miles in length, while, according to Collnet, it is not less than four leagues; and its position being also imperfectly known, it should be visited. The little solitary islet of Malpelo should likewise be definitively placed. The islands of Revilla, Gigado, &c., will naturally be included in your general chart of California.

Further off, in 16° North, and about 130° West, a large group of coral islands is supposed to have been seen. It is not probable that you will have to stand so far out in any of your traverses, but if accident should lead you near them, it will be proper to establish their position, and to ascertain their general character.

Political circumstances have invested the Columbia river with so much importance, that it will be well to devote some time to its bar and channels of approach, as well as to its inner anchorages and shores.

In touching at some of the points of Vancouver's survey, you will perceive, that unless in any cases of gross error, it is not their Lordships' intention that you should do more than rectify the general longitudes in the chart of that officer, as they are probably quite adequate to any interest that is felt at present about that archipelago of islands. If, however, you have a convenient opportunity, it will be desirable to ascertain whether there is not a broad sea passage through his King George Island, dividing it into two islands.

As the terminal point of your whole survey to the northward, the magnificent mountain of St. Elias may be named; and its exact position and height should therefore be determined.

Next in importance to the accuracy of the coast line