ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 345 



Finding that we had reached the longitude of 105° E. before the 

 time anticipated, and being desirous to pursue the discoveries further 

 west, I left a signal flying on this berg, with a bottle containing 

 instructions for the other vessels, directing them to proceed to the 

 westward as far as they could, in the time which should remain prior 

 to the 1st of March. At 8 p. M. we joined the ship, and bore away 

 again to the westward, intending to pursue the route pointed out to 

 them. 



On the 15th, we passed rmany icebergs much discoloured with 

 earth, stones, &c, none of which appeared of recent formation. The 

 weather this day became lowering, and the breeze fresh ; we double- 

 reefed the topsails, and made every thing snug ; the wind was from 

 the southward. At noon this day, we were in longitude 104° E., 

 latitude 64° 06' S. The sea had been remarkably smooth the last 

 few days, with no swell ; and I began to entertain the idea that we 

 might have a large body of ice to the northward of us, for the position 

 where Cook found the barrier in 1773 was two hundred miles further 

 to the north. I determined, however, to pass on in our explorations, 

 hoping they might enable me to join that of Enderby's Land. I 

 deemed it a great object actually to prove the continuity with it if 

 possible : and if disappointed in this, I should at any rate ascertain 

 whether there had been any change in the ice in this quarter, since 

 the time of Cook, which had been done already near bis Ne Plus 

 Ultra. 



We had a vast number of whales about us this day, as well as 

 penguins, Cape pigeons, white and gray, and small and large petrels. 

 Some seals also were seen. 



I was now happy to find the health of my crew had become re- 

 established, and that only a few remained on the sick-list. This 

 I think, was effected by constant attention to their being warmly 

 clothed. 



The icebergs were covered with penguins ; several officers landed 

 on the icebergs to get a few as specimens. On their return, some 

 penguins followed them closely, particularly one, who at last leaped 

 into the boat. It was supposed that its mate had been among those 

 taken, and that it had followed on that account. If this were the 

 fact, it would show a remarkable instinctive affection in this bird. 



On the 16th, the barrier of ice trended to the northward, and we 

 were obliged to haul to the northeast, passing through a large number 

 of ice-islands, many of which were stained with earth. In the after- 

 vol. ii. 87 



