Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 1.djvu/447

Rh hints that may be useful to you in your undertaking: and although my instructions are binding upon me relative to discoveries, I am, nevertheless, aware that I am acting as my Government would order, if they could have anticipated the case, knowing how deeply it feels the liberal assistance and great interest evinced by all the societies and distinguished men of Great Britain, to promote and aid this, our first undertaking in the great cause of science and usefulness; and I must add, the pleasure it gives to me personally to be able to return, though in a small degree, the great obligation I myself feel under to you and many others, the promoters of your undertaking.

"Winds.—The winds for the first fortnight of our time, to the eastward of 140° east longitude, were from the northward and westward, light generally, accompanied occasionally with clear weather for hours, and again with dense fogs of short duration, with a long swell from the same quarter.

"After passing 140° east, or to the westward of it, we experienced fine weather, with south-east winds and occasional snow squalls, lasting but ten or fifteen minutes, and a dry healthy atmosphere.

"The barometer, during our stay on the coast, was always indicative of wind by its depression, and was a true guide. Its mean standing was 29.023 inches, and in a snow-storm it once fell as low as 28.390 inches. The temperature surprised me; we seldom, if ever, had it above 30°, even in the sun at mid-day, or below 22°; and I do not think that three times it was found above 35°.

"Gales come on very suddenly, and are always attended with snow, sleet, and thick fogs, rendering it extremely hazardous; for one must be found, when they do come, more or less surrounded with ice islands: they sometimes last for thirty-six hours. After they set in, you may calculate that they will blow strong for at least half that time. The nearer you are to the land the more violent they are, though not of such long duration. Fine weather