102 THE VOYAGE : PASSI>^G IMPRESSIONS 
cases they seem to form part of the rock which, from its exces- 
sive toughness and hardness, almost defies any attempt to 
procure specimens that can be satisfactory. But it is at the 
tops of the hills that they assume the appearance of a minia- 
ture forest on the flat rocks, and nothing can be prettier than 
the large species with broad black apothecia that covers all 
the stones at an elevation of from 1000-1500 feet. A smaller 
species Hke a little oak-tree grows in spreading tufts also 
upon stones, and is of a dehcate lilac color. Near the sea 
they are generally more coriaceous, especially a yellow one 
that then forms bright yellow patches on the cliffs. In the 
caves, also near the sea, a light red one is so abundant as to 
tinge such situations with that color, and many other species 
inhabit the rocks and their crevices. 
Seaweeds are in immense profusion, especially two large 
species, the Macrocystis 'pyrifera'^ and the Laminaria radiata ? ; 
the former of these forms a broad green belt to the whole 
Island (as far as seen) of 8-20 yds. across within 20 feet or 
so from the shore. Here its branches are so entangled that 
it is sometimes impossible to pull a boat through it, and 
should any accident occur outside of it, its presence would 
prove an insurmountable obstacle to the best swimmers 
reaching land. On the beach the effect of the surf beating 
it up and down is very pretty, but not so striking as the view 
from a little elevation, of a bay, with this ohve green band 
running round it. The sea birds, etc., when on the water, 
always fly over or dive under to reappear on its other side. 
The Laminaria hangs down from every rock within reach of 
the tide, perpetually in motion from the lashing of the surf, 
and yet from its shininess and strength always unhurt. I 
think I may safely affirm that no other species in the vegetable 
kingdom has so secure a rooting as this seaweed has on the 
bare rock. I have often sat upon the cliff overhanging the 
sea at the N.W. bay during a gale of wind, and watched the 
surf break with terrific violence on the rocks, which are often 
themselves detached and alternately brought backwards and 
forwards by the swell and reflux with a deafening roar ; 
still the coriaceous fronds of this weed are with impunity 
^ This 'is the only strictly Antarctic plant of the island, which floats alive 
in the water and increases there like the Sargasso weed : hundreds of miles 
from any land 64° South is the highest latitude in which I have seen it.' (To 
Bentham, April 27, 1842.) 
