17' W., we had
again a calm, which brought the wind back to the west; but it was of no
longer continuance than before. For the next day it returned to the E. and
S.E., blew fresh at times, and by squalls, with rain.
On the 7th, being in the latitude of 41 deg. 22', longitude 156 deg. 12' W., we had
two hours calm; in which time Mr Wales went on board the Adventure to
compare the watches, and they were found to agree, allowing for the
difference of their rates of going: A probable, if not a certain proof,
that they had gone well since we had been in this sea.
The calm was succeeded by a wind from the south; between which point and
the N.W., it continued for the six succeeding days, but never blew strong.
It was, however, attended with a great hollow swell from the S.W. and W., a
sure indication that no large land was near in those directions. We now
steered east, inclining to the south, and on the 10th, in the latitude of
43 deg. 39', longitude 144 deg. 43' W., the variation was found, by several
azimuths, to be more than 3 deg. E., but the next morning it was found to be 4 deg.
5' 30", and in the afternoon, 5 deg. 56' E. The same day, at noon, we were in
the latitude of 43 deg.
