86 DEEP-SEA SOUNDING. 



erate breeze from S.S.W. Although the sea was very 

 rough, I decided to sound before dark in order not to 

 overrun the distance, i.e., one hundred miles from the 

 last cast. Hence at y.;^'/ p.m. shortened and furled sail, 

 setting the storm-mizzen, and main trysail. At 7.50 

 P.M. commenced sounding, the vessel rolling 30° to 

 starboard, 25° to port. 



From 8 to midnight. At 9. 10 p.m. finished sound- 

 ing, having found bottom in 2253 fathoms, lat. 49° ^y' S., 

 long. 125° 2,3' W. ; gray sand. The cast was a good one, 

 notwithstanding the state of the sea. Made sail to 

 single-reefed topsails, etc., put ship on her course, un- 

 coupled, banked fires, and lowered smokepipe. Barom- 

 eter at midnight 29.68. The gale of the 29th and 30th 

 was the worst one ever experienced by any of the officers 

 on board. The waves were exceedingly high, and for 

 hours seemed as if they would engulf the ship. Every 

 precaution, however, had been taken for the vessel's 

 safety. 



December i. Fresh to gentle breezes from the 

 southward. Long swell from S.S.W. Ship rolling 18° 

 to starboard, 23° to port. Sent up topgallant masts and 

 light yards. Being bright and clear, the day was de- 

 voted to drying clothes and articles of all kinds which 

 had been soaked during the gale. At 3.30 p.m. short- 

 ened and furled sail, then sounded in 1964 fathoms, lat. 

 49° 36' S., long. 123° 00' W.; white sand. After sound- 

 ing, the ship was swung for compass deviations. At 

 6.15 P.M. made sail, uncoupled, and hauled fires. Cur- 



