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with mutton-bird holes, into which the foot sank deeply at every step, the 

 inmates thereof betokening their dissatisfaction at our presence by giving vent to 

 a half-choked querulous cry. The penguins — ludicrous birds — in hundreds, 

 drawn up in rank and tile, stood to oppose us on our march, and it required 

 not a little vigorous kicking to force our way through them." 



Thirty-five specimens of rocks were obtained on the Snares, and in 

 general appearance the collections resemble the rocks of the Dunedin penin- 

 sula. They consist of 



1. Varieties of Basalt, both compact and granular, containing Augite and 

 Sanidine crystals. 2. Claystone Porphyry, and tufaceous clay. 3. Chert and 

 Jasper. 



We may conclude therefore that the islands have been formed by one of 

 the volcanic outbursts that took place towards the close of the Miocene period, 

 along the south-eastern border of New Zealand. 



2. — Campbell Island. 



This island was also visited by Mr. Armstrong, and respecting it his 

 report gives the following information : — 



"Campbell Island (Erebas Point, lat. 50 deg. 32 min. S., long. 169deg. 

 12 min. E.), is about eight miles from north to south, and the same from east 

 to west. It is traversed by ranges of hills of considerable height — Honey hill, 

 to the south, being close iipon 1600 feet. The geological formation does not 

 differ materially from that of the Aucklands. In West Bay, however, the 

 cliffs are composed of chalk and beds of flints, resting on limestone. I had 

 heard a rumour that copper was to be found here, but I saw no indications 

 whatever of its presence. Iron pyrites may probably be present, and have 

 given rise to the report. In Perseverance Harbour the geologist will be 

 interested by the appearance of the basaltic dykes, of columnar structure, the 

 pillars vertical, horizontal, and in one jdace radiating from a common centre, 

 as though the basalt, forced up through a small orifice, had spread out in the 

 shape of a fan. The ground is very uneven, which made our travelling toil- 

 some, the foot constantly going into holes two feet deep. The soil is very wet 

 and peaty, the surface between the tussocks (Patiti) carpeted with beautiful 

 mosses and lichens of most varied hues ; even the branches of the scrub are so 

 clothed — an unerring indication of the humidity of the climate. The 

 M'Quarrie cabbage, cotton plant (I have an idea that good serviceable paper 

 might be made from the latter), and wild carrot grow abundantly forming most 

 excellent feed for the pigs which we put ashore. The inevitable Piri-piri 

 appears everywhere. Of timber proper, there is none on the island. It would 

 take a boat's crew a considerable time to collect a supply of firewood, the 

 scrub being of the very smallest growth. There is no Rata, and the Enaki is of 

 a smaller and finer species than that of the Aucklands, and bears a small white 

 bell-shaped flower, with a strong perfume, as of hawthorn. There are, of 

 course, copious supplies of water of an excellent kind. This island seems to be 

 the favourite haunt of the larger sea birds, the molly-mawks frequenting the 

 north-east side ; the albatross affecting the ranges between the north and south 

 harbours ; mutton birds par-tout. I think Nature has contented herself with 

 fitting up this island for the reception of such birds — and pigs. The (so called) 

 highland albatross (the noblest of all sea birds) lays but one egg in a nest 

 raised about ten inches from the ground. The young birds were just breaking 

 the shell at the time of our visit. The grey duck is found here. Of land 

 birds I only saw the common ground lark and a small bird like the wren. 

 Rats are numerous, and of a large size. No traces were seen of the pigs, game 

 cock, hens, and geese, landed by Capt. Norman, of the 'Victoria.' The 

 barometer, during our stay, stood at 29 - 20 ; average temperature of the ah', 51°." 



