394 



/. Eights on the New South Shetlands. 



The segments constituting the thorax and post-abdomen are 

 supplied by a central, angular, and elongated knob, which, when 

 united, form a prominent dorsal ridge, gradually diminishing in 

 its backward course, and forming a sharp elevated line along the 

 caudal segment, terminating at its extremity in a short and ob- 

 tusely pointed spine. 



This beautiful crustacean furnishes to us another close approxi- 

 mation to the long lost family of the Trilobite. I procured them 

 from the southern shores of the New South Shetland Islands. 

 They inhabit the bottom of the sea, and are only to be obtained 

 when thrown far upon the shores by the immense surges that 

 prevail when the detached glaciers from the land precipitate 

 themselves into the ocean. 



Extracts from the Remarks of Dr. Eights on the New South 

 Shetlands. 



After landing at several places along the coast and spending 

 some days at Staaten Land, we proceeded to the new South Shet- 

 land Islands/ whieh are situated between 61° and 63° of south 

 latitude, and 54° and 63° west longitude. They are formed by 

 an extensive cluster of rocks rising abruptly from the ocean, to 

 a considerable height above its surface. Their true elevation 

 cannot easily be determined, in consequence of the heavy masses 

 of snow which lie over them, concealing them almost entirely 

 from the sight. Some of them however rear their glistening 

 summits to an altitude of about three thousand feet, and when 

 the heavens are free from clouds, imprint a sharp and well de- 

 fined outline upon the intense blueness of the sky : they are di- 

 vided everywhere by straits and indented by deep bays, or coves, 

 many of which afford to vessels a comfortable shelter from the 

 rude gales to which these high latitudes are so subject. 



The shores of these islands are generally formed by perpen- 

 dicular cliffs of ice frequently reaching for many miles, and ris- 

 ing from ten feet, to several hundred in height. In many places 

 at their base, the continued action of the water has worn out 

 deep caves with broadly arched roofs, under which the ocean 

 rolls its wave with a subterranean sound that strikes most singu- 

 larly on the ear ; and when sufficiently undermined, extensive 

 portions crack off with an astounding report, creating a tremen- 

 dous surge in the sea below, which as it rolls over its surface, 

 sweeps everything before it, from the smallest animal that feeds 

 on its shallow bottom, to those of the greatest bulk. Entire 

 skeletons of the whale, fifty or sixty feet in length, are not un- 

 frequently found in elevated situations along the shores many 

 feet above the high water line, and I know of no other cause 

 capable of producing this effect. Whales are very common in 

 this vicinity. 



