The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

variable and cratic and would seem to be
subject to a tidal influence. especially in
the vicinity of reefs and Islands. This Is
strongly the case all along the line of reefs
making from the Hawaiian Islands to Mid
way and shifts the general westerly SET
there alternately TO the northward and
southwark, making very careful naviga-
tion and much foresight necessary there to
keep course This was also observed to
a lesser extent between Guam and Luzon
after the trade wind current is dropped.
and before the branch OF the equatorial Is
met that makes up past the Philippines to
Join the Japanese current In this particu-
lar section of the ocean the currents are
very uncertain. and seem to be tidal when
not Influenced by the winds. In the trade
belt between Midway and Guam the current
is generally westerly. but very variable in
strength: and, in light winds and Gains. is
frequently observed to change from
strong current of one to two knots an hour
to netting in the course of a single day.
the ti6al wave apparently killing the nat
ural current
"All over the ocean covered by this
route the current generally sets with the
wind when the latter has any strength.
except in the Japan stream, and the strong
nOrtherly stream that runs up the east
coast OF Luzon: and even these are much
affected by the prevailing winds For in
stance on crossing the Japan current Just
south OF Yokohama, just after heavy
northeast gale the current was almost
obliterated what little there was being
considerably south of its usual position;
whereas. on crossing IL again, shortly
after a southerly typhoon, IL was running
at the rate Of l to 4 knots an hour from
close to the coast OF Nippon TO well south
OF Mikake Jima.
Currents between Yokohama and Guam.
after leaving the Japan stream, till near
Guam where the general westerly set OF
the trades seem to predominate. are as I'M
certain and erratic as in the stretch OF
ocean northeast and east OF the Philip
pines North of the BONN Islands north
erly set may be expected; but south OF tnac
till down near the Ladrones there seems TO
be no law; and near the islands and reefs
the current sometimes shifts all around the
compass in day, undoubtedly due 10
tidal influence.
cone important thing for any vessel TO
know making for Dingala Bay, on the
east coast of Luzon, Is. that while there
is usually n strong nOrtherly and westerly
set along the coast well off shore. after
gettine bevond the end of Pollillo Island.
there is a strong eddy making to the south
and west. down through the passage be-
tween Pollillo and Luzon.
The Nero n Good ship.
The Nero showed herself TO be an ex-
cellent vessel and made the trip with
only a few minor accidents to her ma
chinery. Following are the distances trav-
eled and time consumed on the trip:
From the date of sailing from San Fran
cisco. April %. 1899, to date of arrival at
same February IL. 1900 n total OF 2SS
DAYS. 10 hours. the ship has steamed
% 2s3 knots. She has been at sea 2io
DAYS ) hours, and at anchor - days Ii
hours. -.
In conclusion Commander Hodge says;
~ believe the result Of the survey proves
the route TO be eminently satisfactory ana
thoroughly practicable.