374 ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 



the larger one. Penguins were numerous, and of a variety of 

 colours. 



These isles have a picturesque, wild, steep, and basaltic appear- 

 ance : the highest peak was estimated to be eight hundred 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 quanti- 

 ties among the kelp. The crew enjoyed themselves on chowders and 

 fries. No geese were seen, and the only game observed were a few 

 gray 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 

 magnetic dip was found to be 73° 47' 30" S. 



A whaler, under Portuguese colours, but commanded by an Eng- 

 lishman, arrived, and anchored in Lawrie's Cove, to await the coming 

 of the whales ! The night proved stormy ; the wind at 10" 30 m from 

 the northeast, blowing very heavy in puffs. Towards noon it 

 moderated, and at 2 p. m. they got under way, with a light breeze 

 from the northwest, and stood to sea. 



The latitude of Sarah's Bosom is 50° 38' S. ; the longitude 165° 

 28' E. 



On the 12th no current was found; latitude 49° 27' S., longitude 

 168° 13' E. The weather experienced from this port to New Zealand 

 was very similar to that in passing from Cape Horn to Valparaiso : 

 northerly winds with mist and fog prevailing, with a heavy sea. On 

 the 17th they fell in with the whale-ship Mary and Martha, of Ply- 

 mouth, Coffin master, who informed them that there were at least 

 one hundred whale-ships cruising in the neighbouring seas ; of these, 

 several were seen. This will give some idea of the number of vessels 

 employed, and how great a capital is engaged in this business. 



On the 18th they had a gale from north-northwest, which lasted 

 through the day, moderating at sunset. They were in latitude 43° 

 02' S., longitude, by chronometer, 175° 24' E. The barometer sank 

 to 29-30 in. A current was experienced setting northwest, in the 

 direction of Cook's Straits. 



