34 
Geology of Kerguelen s Land. 
basalt; and, in all probability, a bed of coal exists 
beneath. The slaty fragments were not marked by the 
seaweed-like impressions, as in the hill on the opposite 
side. 
On the south side of Cumberland Bay is another of 
these remarkable hills, having a smooth marbled appear¬ 
ance at a distance ; the light colour forming a deep con¬ 
trast with the dark trap ranges. The southern extremity 
rises to nearly 300 feet, gradually sloping down towards 
the north. Prismatic columns, five and six-angled, 
appear in places through the pile of loose fragments 
with which the hill is covered. 
The fragments of slate on this hill are much marked 
by red concentric lines, apparently caused by oxide 
of iron. In crossing over the isthmus from the head 
of Cumberland Bay to the north-west coast, several 
pieces of coal occurred scattered about a water-course, 
but none in situ ; although, had circumstances per¬ 
mitted its being followed up, a bed would no doubt 
have been discovered not far distant. 
On this coast, being the weather shore, the cpiantity 
of debris at the base of the hills is enormous; forming 
a steep slope of from three to five hundred feet down to 
the black ledge of basalt on which the sea breaks. The 
whole is covered by a carpet of vegetation, intersected 
by numerous water-courses and cascades ; rushing down 
from the trap range of mountains above, and rendering 
it an almost impassable bog, in which the party sunk 
knee-deep at every step. A bay was found to bound it, 
and all further progress to the westward. 
