PASSAGES. 



75 



much strength. The most unpleasant occurrence in this navigation 

 is the sudden rising of fog, frequently when the ship is surrounded 

 in all directions by numbers of these bergs of all sizes and shapes, 

 differing in height as much as they do in length, from 5 above the 

 sea surface until they reach that of 220 feet. Those who attempt 

 to navigate among these bergs would do well to observe the rule, 

 never to pass very close to windward of them ; the wind is apt 

 to fail at the most critical moment, or haul a point or two, and the set 

 of the current is sure to be towards them, involving a vessel in 

 much hazard, as well as creating great anxiety for her safety. So far 

 as the fear of the bottom striking, or the hull coming in contact, 

 there need be no apprehension, the spars would be the first to touch, 

 the iceberg continuing the wall-sided structure to a great depth below 

 the surface. I can only add that there is very great hazard in navi- 

 gating along the Antarctic coast during the season of all daylight ; 

 how much more so must' it be with a part of the time night. 



Our return route from the coast of the Antarctic continent, in lon- 

 gitude 98° east and 05° south, was made to the northeastward, 

 towards the south of Van Diemen's Land. Here we were favored 

 with strong gales from the southwest, such as usually prevail between 

 the latitude of 50° and 60° south of New Holland ; and from our own 

 experience as well as the character given of the latitudes in this loca- 

 lity, I am satisfied that this may well be termed a region of storms. 

 I have heard an opinion entertained that a southern passage was the 

 most advisable on leaving Sydney for England ; that is, passing to the 

 south of Van Diemen's Land. It has frequently been attempted, and 

 perhaps in a few instances with success, but I am well satisfied that it 

 cannot prove of any advantage to the navigator to take this route : 

 the winds will be found to prevail for the most part between the north- 

 west and southwest : they are boisterous, and accompanied with heavy 

 seas from the same quarters. After visiting the high latitudes, I cannot 

 believe any one could have the hardihood to advise it, let alone to 

 make the attempt. The wear and tear of such a voyage, its length 

 and chances of sustaining damage, are greatly against it ; in all proba- 

 bility, making a return to port absolutely necessary : the expenses there- 

 by incurred would be more than sufficient to pay for navigating in 

 the tropics for months. 



On our return, we encountered the currents, already mentioned, 

 setting to the southward, along the coast of New Holland ; which 



