358 



AUCKLAND'S ISLES. 



[1830. 



birds of different kinds. The sick were now recovering very fast, but 

 as yet neither of the officers was able to stand the deck. 



December "ZSth. — We had variable winds and occasional thick wea- 

 ther from the 18th until Monday, the 28lh, when we arrived at Lord 

 Auckland's Group, and at eleven, A. M., anchored in Carnley's Harbour, 

 in four fathoms of water, clay bottom, sheltered from all winds. 



After giving the Antarctic the whole length of her two bower cables, 

 I had our invalids all brought upon deck, to enjoy the salubrity of the 

 air, the beauty of the scene, and the delicious fragrance wafted to us 

 from the neighbouring groves, which abound with flowers of the most 

 beautiful tints and the sweetest odours. Nature reigns here in all her 

 virgin charms, unrifled, unpolluted — for man, the self-styled lord of her 

 treasures, has not yet intruded on this Eden of the south, to mar the 

 beauty of her works. 



December 29th. — On the morning of Tuesday, the 29th, I arose from 

 my couch refreshed and invigorated by the first night's rest I had en- 

 joyed for a long time. The weather was delightful ; and the singing 

 ©f thousands of birds, of various species, was very exhilarating to our 

 spirits. We again brought the sick upon deck, to inhale the health- 

 ful air, and enjoy the surrounding prospect. We then proceeded to 

 the task of cleansing, purifying, and disinfecting every part of the An- 

 tarctic which was capable of containing the least impure air. Every 

 article of bedding, clothing, &c, from the largest size down to that 

 of a pocket-handkerchief, was washed, fumigated, and suspended sep- 

 arately on the rigging. The hold and cabin were smoked with sulphur, 

 and washed with vinegar in every part that could be got at. 



December 30th. — On the following day, which was Wednesday, the 

 30th, the convalescent officers and seamen were so much recruited in 

 health and spirits that they were able to take a short walk on shore, 

 which much accelerated the progress of their recovery. On their return 

 they gave the most animating descriptions of the fertility and beauty 

 of the little range of country they had walked over. 



December 3\st. — We now began to make preparations for examin- 

 ing the island for fur-seal ; and on Thursday, the 3 1st, Messrs. Hunt 

 and Johnson started on a cruise with the two boats, in search of the 

 animals whose garments we coveted. Those who were still on the 

 sick-list made themselves useful in repairing the sails and getting the 

 vessel in order, after her thorough purification. 



January 1st, 1830. — On the following morning, it being New-year's 

 day, the compliments of the season were most cordially given, and 

 as heartily reciprocated by every soul on board. The day was cele- 

 brated by shooting a number of fine wild-ducks, on which the invalids 

 made a hearty dinner. In the afternoon we hauled the seine, but with 

 no great success. Before we returned on board, however, we collected 

 a large quantity of purslain and celery, together with a great number 

 of beautiful wild-flowers, which filled the cabin and forecastle with 

 such a grateful perfume, that it was like sleeping among roses. We 

 also found some beautiful berries, of which I brought a small quantity 

 on board to my wife, who appeared much enlivened by the sight of the 



