HISTORY OF DISCO VERY. 105 



Not content with this investigation, Ross was de- 

 termined to spend the rest of the summer, or rather 

 the short autumn of the south polar regions, by making 

 an approach to the place where, according to Gauss, 

 the South Magnetic Pole lay. At the same time, he 

 had not the slightest hope of reaching the spot itself, 

 for the lateness of the season and the condition of the 

 ice rendered the attempt impracticable. For this pur- 

 pose he steered west and south-west as far as meridian 

 146° E.. continuous magnetic observations being made. 

 The highest latitude attained was 65° io' S. on meridian 

 1 44° 56' E. After the line of no variation had been 

 determined in these higher latitudes, the vessels shaped 

 their course for Hobart Town, which was safely reached 

 on the 6th of April. As far north as latitude 54° S. the 

 nights had been illuminated by splendid displays of 

 the Aurora Australis, and the last iceberg was seen in 

 latitude 53° 30' S. 



The hrst task Ross set himself on his arrival in 

 Hobart Town was to refit and prepare his vessels. On 

 examination it was found that they had sustained scarcely 

 any injury during their long and arduous polar voyage. 

 It was also found that their stores and provisions of 

 every kind were in good preservation, and that nothing 

 had suffered from the great differences of climate passed 

 through, a proof of the care and thoroughness with which 

 the equipment and provisioning of the expedition had 

 been carried out. Best of all, the voyage had been free 

 from sickness or casualty of any kind, and every in- 

 dividual of both ships returned in perfect health and 

 safety, thanks to the unceasing care of their commander. 

 Their stay in Hobart Town lasted till the 7th of July, the 

 time being filled up with eager scientific examination of 

 the island in many directions ; among others, Ross was 

 occupied with fixing a permanent mark for showing the 

 mean level of the ocean, in accordance with suggestions 



