THE NARRATIVE OF CHARLES WILKES. 369 
frequent about the ship. At 4 p.m. the mist raised a little, and to 
their surprise they saw a perfect barrier of ice extending to the south- 
west, with several large icebergs enclosed within it; shortly after they 
discovered a sail, which proved to be the Porpoise. 
The Vincennes and Porpoise were left in our narrative near the icy 
barrier, separated by the fogs and mists that prevailed at times. The 
Porpoise, on the 13th, in latitude 65° 08’ §., longitude 163° E., discovered 
several sea-elephants on the ice, and sent a boat to capture them, but 
without success. The current was tried, and found to set west onv- 
fifth of a mile per hour. Some time afterwards, seeing some sea- 
elephants near the edge of the ice,a boat was sent, and succeeded in 
capturing a female. From the numerous sea-elephants, and the 
discoloration of the water and ice, they were strongly impressed with 
the idea of land being in the vicinity, but on sounding with 100 fathoms 
no bottom was found. Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold felt con- 
vinced, from the above circumstances, and the report that penguins were 
heard, that land was near, and thought he could discern to the south- 
east something like distant mountains. A nearer approach was impos- 
sible, as they were then in actual contact with the icy barrier. 
On the 14th, at 3 p.m., the water being still discoloured, tried sound- 
ings, but found no bottom. 
Two sea-elephants were seen lying motionless on the ice. On being 
shot at, the animal would raise its head and look around for an instant, 
and then resume its former posture. Boats were lowered, when they were 
captured and brought on board: they proved to be the Phoca proboscidea. 
Dr. Holmes examined their stomachs, and found nothing but well- 
digested food. Their dimensions were as follows :— 
ft. in. 
Total length .. ate 10 9 
Length of posterior flipper sf 19 
Length of flippers .. 2 4 
Circumference of largest suet of badly 6 3 
This was a young female. The other was taken afterwards; he 
measured— 
me 
aaoas 
In length.. 3 r 
Greatest circumference behind anterien Tipper. 
Length of flippers .. 
Breadth .. .. 
rPreoae 
On the 15th the Peacock and Porpoise were in company ; the speci- 
mens of sea-elephants were put on board the Peacock, and after having 
had communication with each other the vessels again separated, stand- 
ing on opposite tacks. 
On the 16th the three vessels were in longitude 157° 46’ E., and all 
within a short distance of each other. The water was much discoloured, 
and many albatrosses, Cape pigeons, and petrels were seen about the 
2B 
