366 



ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 



large ice-islands in sight, without counting any of the smaller bergs, 

 which were innumerable ; saw great numbers of penguins and some 

 seals (Phoca proboscidse). The current was tried here, and found 

 setting as yesterday, and at the same rate. 



At 8 p. m., were obliged to retrace their steps to the northward, the 

 weather becoming thick, with light snow. At eleven, constant and 

 thick snow-storm, and unable to see any distance; the gale con- 

 tinuing, lay-to under a close-reefed main-topsail. The vignette, from 

 a sketch by Mr. Totten, will give some idea of her situation. 



3d. A gale from southeast, heavy sea rising ; occasionally passing 

 ice-islands and field-ice. The gale continued throughout the day, 

 but moderated towards midnight; the sea was heavy, the weather 

 thick, and the brig completely covered with ice and snow. The 

 barometer fell to 28-040 in. Temperature of the air 32°. 



4th. Although the wind was moderate, yet it was so thick and 

 foggy as to preclude bearing up. Towards meridian it cleared 

 sufficiently for them to bear up and continue their examinations. 

 To-day the current was found west-northwest, three quarters of a 

 mile per hour. 



On the 5th they had a beautiful day, — no climate or region, 

 Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold remarks, could have produced 



