Journal of a cruise in the US ship, Vincennes, to the North Pacific Ocean, China Sea, Behring Strait, etc. by William Stimpson, 1853-1855
Page 174
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Transcription
232 April 1855 China Sea a Plumularia, a Spongodia, a new crustacean allied to Hippa), a singular coralliform worm resembling the Mollusk Serripes, several other worms and Crustacea, and a species of Am- phioxus. 14th. N. lat. 23°38' E. lon. 118°21' Temp. 75° Fine. Calm Afternoon. In the morning numerous crabs, belonging to a large species of Liopa which I have formerly obtained in the Hong Kong Market, were seen swimming about at the surface of the water. I can scarcely however think these to be true pelagic Crabs, like L. pelagica. In waters of ordinary depths as at present (30 fms.) they may seek their prey at the bottom or surface, indifferently. This is however the only instance in which we have seen Ground-Crabs at the surface. In the afternoon dredging was continued on a shelly + coralline bottom, with much success. 15th N. lat. 24°26' E. lon. 119°12' Wind S.W. light Temp.77° Sunday. A fair wind has sprung up, which gradually increases, setting us along on our course through the Formosa Channel. Depths 33f. 16th N. lat. 25°32' E. lon. 121°24' Wind S.W. moderate Temp.77° At daylight we passed the N. extremity of the island of Formosa, sighting Pac-sa at the distance 233 April 1855 Off Loa Chos Is. of twelve miles. Depths in the afternoon 50 fms. 17th N. lat. 26°18' E. lon. 123°36' Wind S.E. moderate Temp. 76° Passed an English squadron bound on a cruise against the Russians. Toward evening sounded in 85 fms. Saw from the clamp-lead I obtained a new crab (Albunea?) 18th N. lat. 26°28' E. lon. 125°36' Wind S.S.E. light Temp. 78° No bottom was found at 550 fathoms depth. 19th N. lat. 26°44' E. lon. 126°29' Wind S. light Temp. 77° Toward evening we arrived among the western isles of the Loa Chos group, Houisang, Jesima,-etc. 20th N. lat. 26°33' E. lon. 127°49' Wind S. light We passed the island "Ngenhu" at which the Commodore landed, taking with him Mr Wright our botanist. I could not succeed in getting a chance to land, but received a specimen or two from Mr W. In the afternoon the Amakirrina Islands five south of us, and among them the "Cooper" was seen. 21st In the forenoon we beat up for Napo Harbor (Loa Chos) against a light S.W. wind. The weather very hot, temperature 80°. At half-past three in the afternoon we dropped anchor in the harbor. In so doing I threw over my dredge and got a haul as we rounded to. The dredge was get in by some shanties in other boats, but little however was found in it. Communication with shore commenced im- mediately. At night the "Cooper" arrived.