THE NARRATIVE OF CHARLES WILKES. 423 
his way for a hundred yards, where to all appearance a human step had 
never before trodden. There was not a vestige of a track ; old trees 
were strewn about irregularly, sometimes kept erect by the pressure 
on all sides. Some trees were seen upwards of 70 feet in height, 
although the generality were only from fifteen to twenty; every part 
of the island was densely covered with vegetation ; the soil, from the 
decomposition of vegetable matter, had acquired considerable richness ; 
specimens of all the plants were collected. The botany of these islands 
is nearly allied to that of New Zealand, and will be found treated of in 
the Botanical Report to which I would refer. Some species resembling 
the tropical plants were found here, viz. the coffeaceous plants. 
These islands have in many places the appearance of having been 
raised directly from the sea; the cliffs consist of basalt, and were gene- 
rally from 50 to 90 feet perpendicular. 
The Auckland Islands are the resort of whalers for the purpose of 
refitting and awaiting the whaling season, which occurs here in the 
months of April and May. Near the watering place a commodious hut 
has been erected by a French whaler. Near by was another in ruins, 
and close to it the grave of a French sailor, whose name was inscribed 
on a wooden cross erected over it. Some attempts at forming a garden 
were observed at one of the points of Sarah’s Bosom, and turnips, cab- 
bages, and potatoes were, growing finely, which, if left undisturbed, 
will soon cover this portion of the island; to these a few onions were 
added. Besides the birds, the only living creature was a small mouse, 
one of which Dr. Holmes caught: it made no attempt to get out of his 
way, and seemed to have no fear when taken; being consigned to a 
pocket, he svon contrived to escape. Many of the smaller islands of 
this group were visited ; they closely resemble the larger one. Pen- 
guins were numerous, and of a variety of colours. 
These isles have a picturesque, wild, steep, and basaltic appearance : 
the highest peak was estimated to be 800 feet; the smaller has a less 
elevation ; the general aspect of the land resembles the region around 
Cape Horn. The harbour of Sarah’s Bosom is not the most secure; 
that of Lawrie’s is protected from all winds, and has a large and fine 
streamlet of water at its head. The rocks are covered with limpets, 
and small fish of many varieties are caught in quantities among the 
kelp. The crew enjoyed themselves on chowders and fries. No geese 
were seen, and the only game observed were a few grey ducks, snipe, 
cormorants, and the common shag. The land birds are excellent eating, 
especially the hawks; and on the whole it is a very desirable place at 
which to refit. 
On the 9th of March they had finished, and were prepared for sea, 
but the weather was threatening and caused them to delay. The mag- 
netic dip was found to be 73° 47'30"8. A whaler, under Portuguese 
colours, but commanded by an Englishman, arrived and anchored in 
