J. Eighis on the New South Shetlands. 395 
The rocks are composed principally of vertical columns of 
basalt, resting upon strata of argillaceous conglomerate ; the pil- 
lars are united in detached groups, having at their bases sloping 
banks constructed of materials which are constantly accumula- 
ting by fragments from above. These groups rise abruptly from 
the irregularly elevated plains, over whose surface they are here 
and there scattered, presenting an appearance to the eye not 
unlike some old castle crumbling into ruin, and when situated 
0 
questionably by the icebergs from their parent hills on some far 
More southern land, as we saw no rocks of this nature in situ on 
this coast, as its angles retai 
fe Their external surfaces are closely: appli 
to each other, though but slightly united, and consequently the 
re continually falling out by the expansive power of the con oe 
ing water among its fissures.’ When they are expose hy: e 
intiuence of the atmosphere for ps Pray of time, they are for 
@ small depth of a rusty brown color, sa algae 
ion which sag contain actin partially 1 pecdomagadl _ 
times they are covered. by a thin coating of quartz an 
Sdony, a gee 
AP nic, 
’ . 
