568 



SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND. 



[Aves. 



that they were even more difficult to traverse than the tussocks. At length, after 

 struggling, floundering, and falling, we crossed the plain, and found the slopes of the 

 mountain less encumbered. 



" We had set our course by means of a sketch-map and compass, but, whether 

 the map was at fault or our surveying perception inadequate, we discovered that 

 we were not, at any rate, on Mount Galloway. We were, however, in some measure 

 repaid for our climb by sight of a magnificent panorama, comprising the rugged 

 coast and off-lying islands. We had, in fact, crossed the island, and stood at the 

 summit of mighty cliffs against the foot of which the sea broke, I know not how 

 many feet below us. Away to the southward stood Mount Galloway, separated by 



Fig. 12. — Young Wandering Albathos {Diovwdea exulans) in Down, Antipodes Island. 



another valley redolent with tussock and fern. Declining to be beaten, and fortified 

 with lunch, we did eventually reach the summit, but twice were on the brink of 

 extinction. Mutton-birds had everywhere riddled the ground with their burrows ; 

 a fall into these usually meant a close acquaintance with evil-smelling mud, but such 

 experiences ceased to trouble us. However, after a pitch headforemost, I found 

 myself on the brink of a large hole, 5 ft. across, and at least 10 ft. in depth, the floor 

 a soft mud carpeted with the bones of birds. A second similar hole 'discovered' 

 by my companion contained a dead albatros, and these unpleasant experiences served 

 to moderate our enthusiasm and progress. 



