378 Scientific IntelUgence.-^-^Geography. 



% The New Continent — The discoveries of land towards the 

 South Pole, mentioned in the public journals, were made by 

 Captain Biscoe, in the brig Tula, accompanied by the Lively 

 cutter; both vessels belonging to Messrs Enderbys, extensive 

 owners of ships in the whale fishery ; and the log," together 

 with other particulars, were communicated to the Royal Geo- 

 graphical Society. It is supposed that this land forms part of 

 a vast continent, extending from about long. 47° 30' E. to 

 long. 69° 29' W. ; or from the longitude of Madagascar, round 

 the whole of the southern and south Pacific Ocean, as far as the 

 longitude of Cape Horn. On the 28th February 1831, Cap- 

 tain Biscoe discovered land, and during the following month re- 

 mained in the vicinity. He clearly discerned the black peaks 

 of mountains above the snow ; but he was, from the state of the 

 weather and the ice, unable to approach nearer than about thirty 

 miles. The stormy petrels were the only birds seen, and no fish. 

 It has been named Enderby's Land, long. 47° 30' E., lat. 66° 30'. 

 An extent of about 300 miles was seen. The range of mountains 

 E.N.E. In consequence of the bad state of the health of the 

 crew. Captain Biscoe was compelled to return into warmer lati- 

 tudes. He wintered at Van Diemen's Land, and was rejoined 

 by the cutter, from which he had been separated during the 

 stormy weather in the high south latitude. In October 1831 

 he proceeded to New Zealand. In the beginning of February 

 1832 he was in the immediate neighbourhood of an immense 

 iceberg, when it fell to pieces, accompanied by a tremendous 

 noise. On the 15th of the same month, land was seen to the 

 south-east, long. 69° 29' W. lat. 67° 15'. It was found to be 

 an island, near the headland of what may hereafter be called 

 the Southern Continent. On the island, about four miles from 

 the shore, was a high peak and some smaller ones ; about one- 

 third of the highest was covered with a thin scattering of snow, 

 and two-thirds completely with snow and ice. The appearance 

 of the peaks was peculiar ; the shape was conical, but with a 

 broad base. This island has been named Adelaide Island, in 

 honour of her Majesty. Mountains were seen to the south, at 

 a great distance inland, supposed about ninety miles. On the 

 21st of February 1832, Captain Biscoe landed in a spacious 

 bay on the mainland, and took possession in the name of his 



