DECEMBER 1901. 



As a consequence of the stormy weather which has been 

 prevailing here of late, we have been visited by numerous 

 "Travellers." This may seem strange considering the in- 

 clemency of the season, but stranger still when it is known 

 that our reception of them is fiercely hostile, and our duty 

 only considered accomplished when we have completely 

 annihilated them. Huge boulders of hard red sandstone, 

 sometimes weighing over three tons ; these are our " Travel- 

 lers," and their appearance on the Rock is at once resented 

 and their speedy removal effected by blasting and hammering 

 whenever the tide and weather permits. This is absolutely 

 necessary, for if allowed to remain lying in the boat tracks 

 they cpnstitute a serious danger at relief times, besides the 

 possibility of their carrying away portions of our cast-iron 

 grating, which occasionally does happen in spite of all pre- 

 cautions. Where they come from is a mystery; ever since 

 the tower was built they have been in evidence. Although 

 composed of the same material, the Rock itself does not 

 suffer any apparent diminution, nor can their original abode 

 be located even at the lowest tides. Many of them carry a 

 crop of seaweed and tangles, and have their angularities 

 rubbed down and water-worn ; none of them, however, bear 

 any trace of recent detachment, but probably from their 

 similarity of structure they at some remote period formed a 

 part of the reef. They generally effect their entrance from 

 the south side of the reef during the prevalence of a heavy 

 ground swell. This side of the reef forms a steep declivity, 

 sloping to 35 fathoms at a distance of J mile, while at a 

 similar distance on the north side the depth, though not 

 exceeding 1 1 fathoms, presents a more precipitous barrier to 

 these wanderers of the deep. A dull, rumbling noise, distinctly 

 audible in the light room, announces their presence at the 



