THE NARRATIVE OF CHARLES WILKES. 433 
any size. They are more like artificial than natural basins, and are 
secure against any wind. There is no port in the world that offers so 
many natural advantages as Port Jackson for a great naval power. 
We had many things to relate to each other; among others, the par- 
ticulars of the accident that befell the Peacock that has already been 
noticed. The return of that vessel to this port now claims our attention. 
On the 28th of January, their sick-list had increased to thirteen, 
more in consequence of the fatigue the men had undergone, than from 
any disease. 
On the 29th they experienced strong gales from the north-west, 
which continued to increase until midnight, after which the weather 
moderated. The ship during this gale was in latitude 61° 20'S., and 
longitude 154° 09' E. This gale is remarkable, in consequence of its 
blowing in a contrary direction to that which the Vincennes experienced 
on the same day; while the former had it from the north-west, the 
latter had it from south-east. Their distance apart was 450 miles, in 
a north-east direction. 
On the Ist of February the weather was stormy until towards even- 
ing, when it moderated and cleared off, with the wind to the north- 
west, and gave them a view of the Aurora Australis lighting up the 
southern portion of the horizon. Rays were thrown out in different 
directions, some reaching an altitude of 30°, others of 40°, whilst others 
again almost spanned the heavens. 
On the 2nd they had another display of the aurora, but contrary 
to that of the previous day, it was first seen at an altitude of 70°, 
diverging towards the horizon, from east-south-east to the west-south- 
west-by-south, before it disappeared. ‘The point from which the rays 
diverged reached the zenith. 
On the 4th they made Macquarie Island, and shortly after passing 
it experienced another gale from north-west to south-west, which cansed 
them much anxiety for their rudder, which thus far had answered well, 
although attention was necessary to prevent strain upon it. Strong 
gales yet continued. On the 5th they had a faint display of the 
aurora. 
On the 7th of February the weather had become less boisterous, 
and having reached latitude 49°S., longitude 155° 23’ E., the Aurora 
Australis again appeared. It was first seen in the north, and gradually 
spread its coruscations over the whole heavens; the rays and beams of 
light radiating from nearly all points of the horizon to the zenith, 
where their distinctive outlines were lost in a bright glow. of light, 
which was encircled by successive flashes resembling those of heat 
lightning on a sultry summer night; these formed a luminous arc in 
the southern sky, about 20° in altitude, from the upper part of which 
rays were continually flashing towards the zenith; light showers of 
rain finally shut it out from view. On the same night, between one and 
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