to determine beforehand the extent of survey, either to the north or south, which you should perform in the alternate seasons. This division of your labours must be entrusted to your own zeal and prudence, but founded on the one leading principle, that on those parts of the coast which are uninhabited, where no ports or anchorages can ever invite the activity of commerce, and where bold and straight shores offer no difficulties or dangers to the passing navigator, there no precious time should be wasted, or minute accuracy employed, which would be as uninteresting to the geographer as useless to the seaman.
When obliged to stand far out to sea, in order to reach the remote divisions of the survey, you are to make that passage as useful as possible, by the selection of new ground, or by rapidly crossing the curves of magnetic variation, or by searching for some of the many islands or dangers with which different navigators have studded the Pacific ocean, and which in numerous cases will probably be found to originate in three or four erroneous positions having been given to the same spots.
On most parts of the coast you will be able to obtain fresh beef, flour, cocoa, and other victuals and refreshments; and if you should want a further supply of salt provisions or of stores, you should apply to the senior officer of the squadron on the western side of America, who will be directed to assist you.
You are to attend to the instructions and suggestions contained in a paper which has been drawn up under our directions by the hydrographer, and you are to supply a copy thereof to the lieutenant commanding the Starling.
You are to leave no opportunity of transmitting to
