the Island of Tristan da Ctmha, ^-c. 487 



from time to time against the sides of the dome, and gave us a 

 transient glimpse of the peak at a height and distance that were 

 by no means encouraging. After resting, however, for a few mi- 

 nutes, we proceeded across the base of the dome, trusting that the 

 cloud would be dissipated by the meridian sun; nor were we in 

 this respect altogether disappointed. In the mean time, we found 

 the ground as we advanced a perfect swamp, studded with tufts 

 of small rushy plants, that gave way under the slightest pressure. 

 Here also we had to pass through extensive patches of fern (Lo- 

 maria robiisla), the stems of which, like junks of old cable, trail 

 along the ground, and cross and recross each other in such an in- 

 tricate manner, that it required all our circumspection to avoid 

 stumbling over them. Further on, the ground becomes more 

 firm, but is perforated in all directions by the various species of 

 Petrel, which resort in myriads to the island during the season of 

 incubation, and burrow in the earth. The weaker tribes of these 

 birds are devoured in vast numbers by the Skua gulls, which 

 pounce upon them as they come out of their holes in the evening, 

 and leave nothing but the bones and feathers to attest the havock 

 made among them. 



The surface of tlic domo ie furrowed on every side with ravines, 

 which take their rise among the scoria of the peak, deepen as 

 they descend, and open in tremendous chasms on the edge of the 

 precipice. The various portions of the surface thus cut off in a 

 great measure from all mutual communication, grow narrower 

 and narrower as you approach the base of the peak, and dwindle 

 at last into bare ridges of scoria, so sharp and so steep, that the 

 "wild goats of the mountain dare hardly venture to thread them. 

 That ridge in particular over which we must either have passed 

 or returned without accomplishing our object, is for at least fifty 

 yards not more than twelve inches in diameter. The wind blow- 

 ing 



