TRADE-WINDS OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE. 37X 



encompass water. We know, ocularly, but little more of its topo- 

 graphical features tlian we clo of those of one of the planets ; but, 

 if they be continental, we surely may, without any unwarrantable 

 stretch of the imagination, relieve the face of nature there with 

 snow-clad mountains, and diversify the landscape with flaming 

 volcanoes. 



None of these features are inconsistent with the phenomena 

 displayed by the winds. Let us apply to other departments of 

 physics, and seek testimony from other sources of information. 

 None of the evidence to be gathered there will appear contra- 

 dictory, it is rather in corroboration. Southern explorers, as far 

 as they have penetrated within the antarctic circle, tell us of 

 high lands and mountains of ice ; and Eoss, who went farthest of 

 all, saw volcanoes burning in the distance. 



1024. The unexplored area around the south pole is about 

 twice as large as Europe. This untraveled region is circular in 

 shape, the circumference of which does not measure less than 

 7000 miles. Its edges have been penetrated here and there, and 

 land, wherever seen, has been high and rugged. 



Navigators on the voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to 

 Melbourne, and from Melbourne to Cape Horn, scarcely ever 

 venture, except while passing Cape Horn, to go on the polar side 

 of 55° S. The fear of icebergs deters them. These may be seen 

 there drifting up toward the equator in large numbers and large 

 masses all the year round. I have encountered them myself as 

 high up as the parallel of 37° S. 



The belt of ocean that encircles this globe on the polar side of 

 55° S. is never free from icebergs. They are found in all parts 

 of it the year round. Many of them are miles in extent and 

 hundreds of feet thick. The area on the jDolar side of the 55th 

 parallel of south latitude comprehends a space of 17,784,600 

 square miles. The nursery for the bergs, to fill such a field, must 

 be an immense one ; such a nursery can not be on the sea, for 

 icebergs require to be fastened firmly to the shore until they at- 

 tain full size. They, therefore, in their mute way, are loud with 

 evidence in favor of antarctic shore lines of great extent, of deep 

 bays where they may be formed, and of lofty cliffs whence they 

 may be launched. 



There is another physical circumstance which obtains generally 



Aa 



