7 
higher than in the lower latitudes, till we attain the parallel of 52° S., 
above which the danger is considerably increased. In seasons when 
icebergs are numerous, no outward bound ship has adopted a maximum 
latitude higher than 52° S. without meeting with a greater number than 
that sighted by those who have sailed on the lower parallels. We therefore 
recommend on this ground as well as others previously discussed that 5 1 ° 
S. should be the maximum latitude in voyages to Australia. The parallel 
of 53° S. is also dangerous on account of the islands and rocks which 
were discovered by Captain M‘Doimld of the “ Oriental,” in November, 
185 3, and known by the name of McDonald’s Islands;* tho westernmost 
being situated about 52° 50' S., and 73° 50' E. ; the easternmost 53° 20' 
S. and 74° 20' E. 
Thirdly. That on the homeward passage to the meridian of 80° W., 
a greater number of icebergs are mot with in the lower than in the higher 
latitudes. Thus, in November, 1854, the “Great Britain” passed two 
hundred and eighty icebergs in latitude 50° S., between tho meridians of 
112° W. and 02° W., independently of numerous icebergs in other 
localities. On the other hand, the “ Golden Era” passed these meridians 
at the extraordinary latitude of 03° S., without meeting with an iceberg. 
It was not until she arrived at 72° W. that any inconvenience was ex- 
perienced from ice, when she was surrounded by pack ice, in which she 
narrowly escaped being wrecked. The isothermal line of latitude 51° S. 
and longitude 40°E. j- appears to pass through latitude 01° S. in longitude 
140° W., consequently a much higher maximum latitude may be adopted 
for the homeward passage. But, from June to December inclusive, the 
parallel of 57° S. should be preferred, since in most cases those who have 
adopted the higher parallel have been either impeded or endangered by 
pack ice. 
Fourthly. That by far the greatest number of icebergs is met with in 
* About three years subsequently to the discovery of these islands and rocks they 
were reported as being discovered by the Captain of a ship engaged in the seal trade, 
belonging to the United States of America, although they hud previously been reported 
by the Captains of several English ships, and were at the time laid down in the Admiralty 
Charts. 
+ This hypothesis must only be regarded as being founded oil the very limited number 
of observations that have been brought under my notice. We must await the returns ol 
the Meteorological Department of the Board of Trade for several years before vve can 
regard this important fact as established or otherwise. 
