R.D. Kirkpatrick 1965 Journal South Pacific Feb. Canton Island is a low coral atoll 17 with a circumference of about 21 (cont.) miles. A very large salt lagoon makes up the center of the atoll. Two channels open into the lagoon which cause a very strong current flowing into the lagoon as the tide rises and vice versa. We went into the lagoon in the whale boat, while the tide was going down and it took us a long time even with the motor running full ahead. The entrance to the channel was very sloppy due to the swirling water. Canton is administered by the U.S. (where we landed) and by the British. Laborers are Gilbertese who have their wives and children with them and live in house trailers or frame houses. Vegetation is herbaceous or shrubby except where coconut palms and other ornamentals have been planted (and probably watered) around the houses.