498 APPENDIX. 



report the following results, as occurring since the period of sepa- 

 rating from you. 



The 12th of January was consumed in diligent search and endea- 

 vours to regain : failing to do so, I proceeded westerly. At 10 p. m., 

 the day following, I entered an inlet formed by the barrier, for the 

 purpose of making a close examination and experimenting on dip. 



On a near approach to the margin, numbers of Phoca proboscidse 

 were seen reposing : I succeeded in taking a pair, the skins of which 

 were subsequently placed on board the Peacock. 



Very lofty ridges of ice, and the loom usual over high land, were 

 visible along the southern horizon, over the barrier. The compass at 

 the time being very sluggish, showing the brig's head to the north, 

 when her head was correctly south. 



From appearances to the southward, with the numerous Phoca 

 proboscidse, I was strongly impressed with the belief of the close 

 approach to land. 



On the 15th the water was much discoloured, casting in one 

 hundred and fifty fathoms without success. Dense fogs and snow 

 prevented further examination. I fell in and communicated with the 

 Peacock on the evening of the 15th, having her in sight on the 21st 

 and 22d. 



On the evening of the 16th, strong appearances of land again arose, 

 in corroboration of which I insert an extract from my journal, as well 

 as the remarks from the log-book. 



EXTRACT FROM JOURNAL. 



" At 6 b 30 ,n p. m. I went aloft to take a look, the weather being 

 clear, horizon good, and clouds lofty. I heard the noise of a pen- 

 guin ; soon after, one was seen very near the brig, with a large seal 

 to windward. After reaching masthead, I saw over the field of ice, 

 an object, large, dark, and rounding, resembling a mountain in the 

 distance. The icebergs all were bright and brilliant, and in great 

 contrast. 



" I watched for an hour to see if the sun in his decline would change 

 the colour of the object by a difference of rays : it remained the same, 

 with a white cloud above, similar to those generally hovering over 

 high land ; at sunset it remained the same. I took the bearing 

 accurately, intending to examine it closely as soon as I got a breeze. 

 I am strongly of the opinion it is an island, surrounded by immense 

 fields of ice now in sight." 



