350 ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 



ward, passing many worn and shattered bergs. On the evening o f 

 the latter day, they had another exhibition of the aurora australis, 

 extending from north-northwest to east ; it was of a light straw-colour, 

 but very indistinct ; the luminous bank was at an elevation of 30°. 

 The light in the northwest was most distinct, radiating from a nucleus 

 above the horizon towards the zenith, where it formed a beautiful halo. 

 It was not of long duration. Many ice-islands and bergs in sight. ; 

 upwards of two hundred ; nearly all of a tabular form, — the sides of 

 many of them beautifully excavated by the waves, presenting innume- 

 rable Gothic arches, extending often to a considerable distance into 

 the body of the ice. 



Their position on the 18th was in longitude 114° 17' E., latitude 

 62° 37' S. Flocks of black-birds were very numerous, but not near 

 enough to be taken. 



On the 19th and 20th, proceeding to the eastward. On the 20th, 

 they had but few ice-islands in sight, although they were seventy miles 

 further south than on the 18th, when the largest number ever seen by 

 them at one time was visible ; having reached the longitude of 120° 

 E., they again steered south, to make the barrier. The current was 

 tried, but none found. 



The 21st proved stormy, with strong breezes from the southeast, 

 and much snow and rain, which covered the brig with ice. Field-ice 

 was seen ahead, when they again stood to the eastward, longitude 

 being 121° 30' E., latitude 65° 15' S. On this night they experienced 

 a heavy gale, during which the barometer fell to 27-50 in., where it 

 remained during part of the 22d. The squalls were very severe, 

 accompanied with snow, sleet, hail, and heavy seas; they had now 

 reached, longitude 122° E., and latitude 64° 09' S. 



February 22d, being Washington's birthday, the colours were hoisted, 

 and the crew received an extra allowance. Lieutenant-Commandant 

 Ringgold took this occasion to express to them his satisfaction for the 

 manner in which they had performed their duties during the present 

 cruise, and that their conduct would be duly represented to the 

 Commander of the Expedition, and the government. 



On the 23d the weather was again thick, with snow and mist. 



On the 24th they had reached longitude 126° E., and latitude 64° 

 29' S. On this day they again sighted the barrier; when, having 

 completed what he deemed a full execution of his instructions, Lieu- 

 tenant-Commandant Ringgold determined to put the brig's head north, 

 — which was accordingly done. 



Strong winds and gales continued for the next three days. On the 

 27th they again found themselves in east variation, in longitude 138° 



