ANTARCTIC CRUISE. 363 



On overhauling my ship, the fore-topmast was found to be slightly 

 sprung. 



It was with great pleasure I learned the safety of the Peacock ; for 

 that vessel had occupied my thoughts more than the others, on account 

 of the condition in which she left Sydney. All on board of her were 

 well, and the vessel was undergoing repairs in Mossman's Cove, one 

 of the many which this harbour forms. These coves may be termed 

 wet-docks, affording as they do every facility for the repair of vessels 

 of any size. They are more like artificial than natural basins, and are 

 secure against any wind. There is no port in the world that offers so 

 many natural advantages as Port Jackson, for a great naval power. 

 We had many. things to relate to each other; among others, the parti- 

 culars of the accident that befell the Peacock, that has already been 

 noticed. The return of that vessel to this port now claims our 

 attention. 



On the 28th of January, their sick-list had increased to thirteen, 

 more in consequence of the fatigue the men had undergone, than from 

 any disease. 



On the 29th, they experienced strong gales from the northwest, which 

 continued to increase until midnight, after which the weather mode- 

 rated. The ship during this gale was in latitude 61° 20' S., and longi- 

 tude 154° 09' E. This gale is remarkable, in consequence of its 

 blowing in a contrary direction to that which the Vincennes experi- 

 enced on the same day ; while the former had it from the northwest, 

 the latter had it from southeast. Their distance apart was four 

 hundred and fifty miles, in a northeast direction. 



On the 1st of February the weather was stormy until towards 

 evening, when it moderated and cleared off, with the wind to the 

 northwest, and gave them a view 7 of the aurora australis lighting up the 

 southern portion of the horizon. Rays were thrown out in different 

 directions, some reaching an altitude of 30°, others of 40°, whilst 

 others again almost spanned the heavens. 



On the 2d, they had another display of the aurora, but contrary to 

 that of the previous day, it was first seen at an altitude of 70°, di- 

 verging towards the horizon, from east-southeast to the southwest-by- 

 west, before it disappeared. The point from which the rays diverged 

 reached the zenith. 



On the 4th they made Macquarie Island, and shortly after passing 

 it, experienced another gale from northwest to southwest, which caused 

 them much anxiety for their rudder, which thus far had answered 

 well, although great attention was necessary to prevent strain upon it. 



