1853.] LAND ON PRINCESS ROYAL ISLAND. 255 



of rubbly Macadamized maguesian limestone, abound- 

 ing in fragments of fossils, scattered in every direction, 

 principally Terebratulse, Pectens, and Madreporites. At 

 this position the value of our sledge-boat 'Hamilton' was 

 practically evinced : our party had gained a start of at 

 least two miles ; they were under canvas ; we made sail, 

 and with two men, two dogs, Mr. Loney, and self steady- 

 ing the boat, overtook the sledges with ease, at least two 

 miles ahead, in the lapse of two hours. About six we 

 pitched on the northern spit of the island, ascended its 

 high-turreted peak, built a conspicuous cairn, and, this 

 being the first important discovery and keystone of our 

 operations this season, hoisted the Union and took pos- 

 session, under the customary forms, of Princess Royal Is- 

 land. At the base, with a temperature of +6, the cold 

 was felt sensibly ; but as we reached the summit it be- 

 came softer, and eventually comfortable. Those who deal 

 with cold metal instruments, pencil and paper, appre- 

 ciate these changes very sensibly : I consider 1 in the 

 value of wind here to be equal to 10 on the previous 

 temperature. 



This was Sunday. Our motions by day interfering 

 much with our present mode of travelling, the customary 

 observance was deferred until evening, when all hands 

 were collected in my tent. These are matters of disci- 

 pline. It is not my intention to inform my readers, or 

 rather to trouble them, with the question of how good 

 or bad we were, but possibly we may be found to Him 

 who knows our secrets, quite as good as " the tinkling 

 bells." In few words, and to the point, I merely observe, 

 Let the reader peruse the incidents of this Work, and 



