40 



PLATE XXI. POSSESSION ISLANDS. 



FIG. 1 (Map A). From a photograph by R. W. SKELTON (S. Ill, 5" x 4" plate); 

 approaching the group from the S., Feb. 24, 1904. 



FIG. 2 (Map A). From a photograph taken by It. W. SKELTON (S. 112, 5" x 4" 

 plate) ; looking back to the S., after passing the group, Feb. 24, 1904. 



The Possession Islands were discovered by Sir James Ross in 1841, when 

 a landing was also made. Since then they have been visited by several other 

 expeditions. The group consists of two larger and five smaller islands, which lie 

 about five miles from the coast of South Victoria Land. 



Consisting largely of columnar basalt and tuff, they have weathered into 

 arches and pillars, which give the group a very picturesque appearance. 



For details of their discovery, see Ross, Voyage to the Antarctic Regions, vol. i., 

 p. 188. 



See also, Scott, Voyage of the 'Discovery,'' vol. ii., p. 376; and Ferrar, Nat. 

 Hist. Rep., vol. i., p. 4. 



