7G 
Count Strelcskis Excursion 
The snow and the ice which covered it almost gave its surface 
a level appearance. Little beyond this was observable but 
ravines, inlets, and projections, without a single trace of vege¬ 
tation. Along the coast were whales/ porpoises of con¬ 
siderable size, fur seals, and a few penguins, petrels, and 
albatrosses. These are all that the animal kingdom seems to 
offer. Captain d’Urville was of opinion that the newly dis¬ 
covered territory was of some extent. The fields of ice put a 
stop to all further progress westward from the obstructions 
they presented ; but between the east and south east it did not 
appear impossible to penetrate to some distance, at least as far 
as the eye could reach from mast-head. Contrary winds, 
fresh breezes from the east, and a desire entertained by Com¬ 
modore d’Urville of affording satisfactory data for the deter¬ 
mination of the magnetic pole, are the motives which hindered 
him from attempting any further search towards the E. S. E.; 
and he sincerely trusts that other navigators may prosecute 
those discoveries already commenced. 
In concluding these remarks, Captain d’Urville has ex¬ 
pressed to us a desire to sec noticed in our Journal the public 
expression of liis gratitude for the urbanity and hospitable 
entertainment which his officers, men, and himself, have wit¬ 
nessed on the part of IIis Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor 
Lady Franklin, and of all the authorities, civil and military, of 
the Colony. On all quarters, he says, have been evinced 
towards him a degree of attention and earnestness to oblige, 
which has materially added to the success of the mission which 
has been placed under bis direction ; in short, a real and sin¬ 
cere sympathy in the work which lie has earnestly en¬ 
deavoured to accomplish in the promotion of Science and 
Navigation. As regards himself individually, it has been to 
him but a renewal of that kind reception which he experienced 
within the walls of our metropolis about twelve years ago; and 
he w ill, on the return to his native land, alw ays have reason 
to retrace with heartfelt pleasure his two visits to Van Diemen’s 
Land. 
NOTES OF AN EXCURSION IN THE NORTH¬ 
WESTERN PART OF TASMANIA. 
Extract of a letter from Count Strcleski. 
:.. I returned from Circular Head yesterday, and cannot but 
feel anxious to express my thanks to you for the letter of intro¬ 
duction to Mr. Curr, which secured me much kind attention and 
assistance in exploring the north-western part of Tasmania. 
That exploration embraced the country lying between Laun¬ 
ceston and llie Hampshire Hills— between that and Emu Bay 
