ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 353 



The Auckland Islands are the resort of whalers for the purpose of 

 refitting and awaiting the whaling season, which occurs here in the 

 months of April and May. Near the watering place a commodious 

 hut has been erected by a French whaler. Near by was another in 

 ruins, and close to it the grave of a French sailor, whose name was 

 inscribed on a wooden cross erected over it. Some attempts at form- 

 ing a garden were observed at one of the points of Sarah's Bosom, and 

 turnips, cabbage, and potatoes, were growing finely, which, if left un- 

 disturbed, will soon cover this portion of the island; to these a few 

 onions were added. Besides the birds, the only living creature was a 

 small mouse, one of which Dr. Holmes caught : it made no attempt to 

 get out of his • way, and seemed to have no fear when taken ; being 

 consigned to a pocket, he soon contrived to escape. Many of the 

 smaller islands of this group were visited ; they closely resemble 

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



These isles have a picturesque, wild, steep, and basaltic appearance : 

 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 quantities 

 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, snipes, 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 English- 

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

 the whales ! The night proved stormy; the wind at 10 h 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 north- 

 west, 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 



vol. 11. 2E2 45 



