136 
CBUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGEB. 
field of pack ice extending from the south-west. 
A line of eight bergs and low masses of ice extends 
from north to south-west. About 9 p.m., in the 
twilight, had a fine sight in passing close to an 
immense iceberg, with its strange and curious form, 
reflecting very brilliant blue rays in every variety of 
shade. A magnificent sunset caused the horizon 
to be illuminated with bright red streaks up to 
10.30 p.m. by refraction from the ice. 
Feb. 1 §th . — The weather was remarkably fine, such 
as is hut seldom experienced in these high latitudes 
— bright sun and blue sky, with but little wind ; so 
had recourse to steam, passing some magnificent ice- 
bergs, extending in all directions and in every con- 
ceivable shape and form ; for the most part having 
fiat tops covered with snow, glistening in the sun, 
with smooth, inaccessible sides, beautifully tinted with 
every shade of blue and green. It was about 1.30 p.m. 
when we crossed the harrier of the Antarctic Circle 
(latitude 66° 30' south), in longitude 78° east, situated 
about 1400 miles from the South Pole. The sight 
was indeed a grand one as we threaded our way 
through the pack ice and up through avenues of vast 
bergs, over a course never before taken by explorers ; 
all this left an impression of those icy desolate regions 
that can never be forgotten. It seems most difficult 
to attempt a description, for all I could say would 
convey but little of the reality to the imagination 
of one who has not been similarly situated. Pro- 
