ISLAND OF AMSTERDAM. 67 



CHAPTER III. 



Finding but little could be done amongst the 

 whales on this ground, early in December we resumed 

 sea watches, and steered a course for the coast of 

 New Holland, intending to cruise off its south- 

 westernmost point for sperm whales. On the fifth 

 of the same month, whilst pursuing our course to 

 the eastward, we sighted the Island of Amsterdam, in 

 40° South latitude, 77° East longitude. At daylight 

 the ensuing morning, we lowered away three boats, 

 each member of their respective crews provided with 

 fishing-tackle, for the capture of much smaller mem- 

 bers of the finny tribe than our usual game. Before 

 arriving at the island, we saw, and gave chase to an 

 otter, but he eluded our pursuit. This was the first 

 animal of the kind I had ever seen ; it absorbed my 

 attention, whilst in sight, to the exclusion of all other 

 novelties. His face, in expression, reminded me of 

 that of a pug dog, in which opinion all my com- 

 panions united. I also saw here the first of those 

 peculiarities, viz. penguins, or waugans, as they are 

 called by seamen — their hoarse cry and long im- 

 mersion in water excited my wonder and attention. 

 Here also were the osprey, sea hen, albatross, moni- 

 moke, right and sperm whale birds, and numerous 

 minor specimens of the family, flying in and out of 

 their eyries in the clifi", carrying food to their young, 

 and occasionally disputing for the possession of the 



