ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 345 



vast fields of ice, which they had entered twelve hours previously; the 

 only opening appearing to the eastward, they were compelled to 

 retrace their steps, which they effected at 8 p. m., passing some ice- 

 islands which they recognised as having been seen the evening before. 

 They now found themselves out of this dangerous position, and, 

 passing the point, kept away to the westward. Lieutenant-Com- 

 mandant Ringgold judged it prudent to heave-to during the night, on 

 account of the darkness, 



February 1st. The immense perpendicular barrier encountered yes- 

 terday was now in sight, trending as far as the eye could reach to the 

 westward ; it was of tabular form, from one hundred and fifty to one 

 hundred and eighty feet in height, of solid compact ice, resembling a 

 long line of coast ; wind moderate from the southeast, — a brilliant 

 blink extending along and elevated above the barrier. At 4 p. m., they 

 arrived at the end of this barrier, and found it trending off to the 

 southward, seeming as if numbers of icebergs had been broken from 

 the barrier by some mighty force, exceeding in numbers any thing 

 that had yet been seen, and extending as far south as could be dis- 

 tinguished, interspersed with much drift and floe-ice. On the southern 

 horizon sixty-four ice-islands were counted, exclusive of many near 

 them, and those that were not distinguishable from the barrier. 



The current was tried here, and found setting southeast nearly a 

 mile an hour. Pigeons around in numbers, also whales and large 

 flocks of penguins. 



The nights now evidently lengthened, thus adding to the cares and 

 anxieties attendant on this navigation. It was fortunate that the pre- 

 vailing winds were from the southeast and southwest, or coming off 

 the ice. If they had blown from the northward, they would have been 

 attended with danger, and might have proved fatal to the vessel. 



2d. At meridian, in longitude 130° 36' E., and latitude 65° 24' S. 

 They were prevented from proceeding farther to the southward by the 

 impenetrable icy barrier. At this time they had one hundred large 

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

 were innumerable ; saw great numbers of penguins and some seals 

 (Phoca proboscida). 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 continuing, 

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

 by Mr. Totten will give some idea of her situation. 



vol. 11. 44 



