CO WASHINGTON ISLAND 04°43'N 160°25'W LINE ISLANDS General Washington Island is a British possession and belongs to the Line Island District, comprising Fanning, Christmas, and Washington Islands, with headquarters on Christmas Island. The land is all owned by Fanning and Washington Island Estates, Burns-Philips Trading Company, who employ about 80 Gilbertese for copra production and to maintain the 200, 000-palm tree plantation. Physical Data Washington Island is about 9 miles in circumference and averages 10-ft. in elevation. The island is encircled by a fringing reef which extends for about 1, 000 yards off the eastern point and for some distance off the northern side. Two tongues of reef extend from 600 to 800 yards off the western shore. In all other parts of the island the fringing reef is narrow. Landing by boat is nearly always dangerous and often impracticable because of the heavy surf. There is a boat landing area on the beach in a small gap between the two spits of reef at the western end of the island; however, it is recommended that native boats be used in going ashore. The island is covered with a luxuriant growth of coconut palms and other tropical vegetation. There is a fresh water lagoon in the interior of the eastern section of the island which is the only area not covered with vegetation. Many sea and migratory birds are found here. Climate Washington Island is located near the southern edge of the equatorial counter current and is in the equatorial trough zone the year around. The weather records for this island are not complete as a meteorological station has never been established to collect data; however, it can be assumed that climatological records would be similar to Palmyra and Fanning Island data since Washington Island lies between these two islands. On Washington, easterly winds predominate with the exception of northeasterlies in the Spring and southeasterlies in the Autumn. Mean wind velocities vary between 3 and 13 knots. Mean annual temperature is 82°F, highs 95°F. Wet seasons are from January to June with a monthly precipitation average of 10 to 13-1/2 inches. Dry seasons are July to December with an average of 3 to 4-1/2 inches of precipitation each month. Relative humidity is high. Facilities The village, located on thewestern end of the island, has no public tacilities. The island perimeter gravel road allows easy access to most areas of the island. A small piper cub airstrip is also located here. 32-1 VOL Il April 1969