6 
continues its south-east course after it passes the fortieth parallel, and 
is carried towards the Cape of Good Hope. Thus in January, 1850, an 
iceberg was within sight of the Cape. In April, 1828, and in August, 
September and October, 1840, there were several icebergs in this locality. 
From the consideration of these facts we draw the following practical 
conclusions : — 
First. That the period comprising the months of November and De- 
cember, 1854, and January, February, March and April, 1855, was a most 
extraordinary season for icebergs * In every part of the southern hemi- 
sphere south of the fortieth parallel, the number of icebergs met with during 
these six months was beyond all recorded precedent. We had during that 
period a far greater number reported than the total of every other season 
from the time of Captain Cook down to the present year.f Whether such 
phenomena are periodical, or that of 1854-55 is an exceptional one, we 
cannot decide ; but from the reports of those who have been engaged in 
the seal trade, we believe that for fifty years previously there had been no 
season bearing the least comparison with the one under consideration. It 
has been observed that meteorological cycles exist in the southern hemi- 
sphere. If there exists a cycle in which such seasons return, the period 
must be secular. One individual cannot therefore determine this point. 
Under this impression I beg to record the result of my investigations in 
the Transactions of this Society ; it being one of the advantages of 
Scientific Societies that they can undertake to carry on investigations 
which require a period for their completion beyond that of the life of any 
individual. 
Secondly. On the outward passage, from the meridian of the Cape of 
Good Hope to Australia, there is no parallel that possesses an immunity 
from icebergs. In one year the greatest number is met with on one 
parallel ; in another year on a different one. We cannot regard it as a 
general rule in this region, that the average number is greater in the 
* On the accompanying chart and catalogue we have distinguished the. ice of this 
period hy figures, the ice of other periods by letters. 
+ Since reading this paper I have received accounts of the ice sighted in the months 
of January, February and March, 1858. Although this season hears no comparison 
with that of 1855, the number of icebergs already reported greatly exceeds the average, 
in printing this paper it lias been thought proper to extend it so as to include all reports 
received up to the time of going to press. 
