TIDE-RirS AND SEA DRIFT. 411 



the largest last longest, and approach nearest to the equator. 

 Here, then, is the great line of antarctic drift; by studying it 

 we may perhaps catch a glimmer of light from south polar shores. 

 These icebergs, be it remembered, have drifted north through a 

 belt of westerly winds. Their course, therefore, was probably 

 not due north, but to the east of that rhomb. 



766. The line of antarctic drift. — Tracing this line of drift, 

 then, backward in a south-westerly direction, it should guide us 

 to that part of the southern continent where the icebergs have 

 their principal nursery. This would take us to the sources of 

 the Humboldt current, and seem to indicate that these glaciers 

 are launched in its waters ; but, as their motion is slow, the 

 winds bear the bergs to the east, while the general drift sets them 

 to the north. 



767. Necessity for, and advantages of an antarctic expedition. — 

 Arrived at this point, fiords, deep bays, and capacious gulfs 

 loom up before the imagination, reminding us to ask the 

 question. Is there not embosomed in the antarctic continent a 

 Mediterranean, the shores of which are favourable to the growth 

 and the launching of icebergs of tremendous size ? and is not 

 the entrance to this sea near the meridian of Cape Horn, perhaps 

 to the west of it ? Circumstances like these beget longings, and 

 we sigh for fresh antarctic explorations. Surely, when we 

 consider the advantages which the improvements of the age, the 

 lights of the day, would afford an exploring expedition there 

 now ; when we reflect upon the drawbacks and difficulties with 

 which former expeditions thither had to contend ; when we call 

 to mind the facilities with which one might be conducted now : 

 surely, I say, when we thus reflect, no one can doubt as to 

 the value and importance of the discoveries which a properly 

 equipped expedition would now be sure to make. 



768. Commercial considerations. — In those regions there are 

 doubtless elements of commercial wealth in the number of seals 

 and abundance of whales, if in nothing else. It seems to be a 

 physical law that cold-water fish are more edible than those of 

 warm water. Bearing this fact in mind as we study Plate IX., 

 we see at a glance the places which are most favoured with good 

 fish-markets. Both shores of North America, the east coast of 

 China, with the west coasts of Europe and South America, are 

 all washed by cold waters, and therefore we may infer that their 

 markets abound with the most excellent fish. The fisheries of 



