330 DISCOVERY REPORTS 



objects. On this occasion it was found that there was insufficient room to run farther 

 than the second, so the third set was taken outside the first, still of course on the 

 transit, checking the first run on the way. The zero line in determining angles for the 

 outer and middle marks was that through beach mark and edge of glacier, and this line 

 being unsuitable for use at the inner mark, which was too close to the beach for the 

 purpose, the zero line was there taken as the line through the two outer points. On 

 plotting, the lines drawn to the objects chosen for observation were found to converge 

 satisfactorily. 



The sounding then proceeded on the usual lines, the coast-line being sketched in 

 from the end of each line of soundings. As the bottom was found to be even at the 

 inner end (the anchorage), many soundings were not necessary; but the limits of the 

 various kelp patches at the entrace were roughly fixed. The error of the compass was 

 checked later, and the distance was checked by some runs on the measured mile at 

 Stromness. This is a sufficiently accurate survey for a little used harbour, although a 

 greater degree of precision could be attained by the careful use of a rangefinder. 



On leaving Right Whale Bay, the swell being still very heavy, a good look out was 

 kept for breakers or other indication of shoal water which had been reported in this 

 region. None was seen, although anything with less than about 6 fathoms over it would, 

 I think, have certainly been detected. Diiferences in the steepness of the swell indicated, 

 however, that the bottom was very uneven. The weather remained fine until near Cape 

 Crewe and we arrived in Prince Olaf Harbour soon after dark without further incident, 

 except to observe the antics of a 30 ft. Sei whale, which played round us when near the 

 Barlas Bank, Bay of Isles. 



It was now desirable to proceed with all despatch on our way to Grytviken, as it was 

 intended to do a quick survey of Possession Bay and Antarctic Bay, if at all possible. 

 We had Blue Whale Bay to visit also, and the survey of Fortuna Bay to complete. As 

 delays were to be expected, an early start was indicated ; but before beginning this work 

 it was necessary to return our accumulated stores to Grytviken. This was commenced 

 next day, which incidentally turned out bad enough to compel the whale-catchers to 

 return to harbour. The stores were placed on a whale-catcher going to Grj^viken on 

 March 27, the weather being still very bad. On the return of my assistant and his men 

 on the same day, we were all ready to proceed. O'Connor said that this was the worst 

 trip he had ever made in a whale-catcher. 



Possession Bay (Chart 3) 

 On the afternoon of March 29 the weather improved, and we proceeded to the survey 

 of Possession Bay. The method was the same as that used at Right Whale Bay; here, 

 however, the scale was provided by the triangulation of Prince Olaf Harbour, as was 

 also the true bearing through the main station at Black Head. The final result was in 

 consequence considerably improved. Not many soundings were taken, as the depths 

 were found to be great, and the bay clear of dangers except at the inner end. The bay, 

 moreover, is not important as a harbour; it is very windy and contains only one 



