FAUNA AND FLORA OF THE FALKLANDS. 343 



red, and others of a darker hue ; but microscopical examination 

 shewed no difference in structure. I was unable to detect any 

 unpleasant smell in the sea-water containing this alga, although 

 some observers have recorded it. Perhaps this odour is only to 

 be noticed during certain times of the year. Species of Tricho- 

 desmium are to be found in tropical seas all over the world ; a 

 species T. erytlwceum occurring in vast patches in the E,ed Sea, 

 es]3ecially during the month of August, as I observed it some 

 years ago. 



This alga appeared in all my gatherings, although it was not 

 visible on the surface of the sea till the 25th, our position being 

 27°4'S., after which no more was seen till the return voyage. 



During the same afternoon I obtained a glimpse of several 

 small pieces of Gulf-weed {Sargassum hacciferum), the largest not 

 exceeding 20 cm. in length, and on the next day a few more frag- 

 ments were seen. 



On the morning of the 25th we ran into a cold current which 

 appeared to run at right angles to our course, the temperature 

 being 69°F. Here occurred vast shoals of various species of 

 Ceratium, and with them a few Rhizopods. The position of the 

 ship at noon was 27°4'S., 45°54-'W. 



During this afternoon the sea rose in temperature to 70°P., 

 and the barometer to 30"30, both however falling after sunset; 

 the temperature of the sea to 67°F., and the barometer to 30' 10. 



We experienced during the 26th a great change both in wind 

 and weather. The surface temperature of the sea at noon in 

 30°30'S., 49°27'W. had fallen to 63-9°F., and at sunset there was 

 a still further decrease to 60*^ F., the temperature of the air 

 being 66°F. only. 



Birds of various species began to abound. Two Cape 

 Pigeons {Baption Capensis), and several Penguins were seen dur- 

 ing the morning; and for the first time, after a considerable 

 interval, a fine Albatross {Biomedea exultans) was noticed about a 

 quarter of a mile distant. 



On the same evening the surface temperature of the sea had 

 fallen to 59 °F., but the temperature of the air remained the 

 same as on the previous evening, viz. : 66 °F. By noon on the 

 27th the depth of water was only fifteen fathoms, and the bottom 



