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While numerous expeditions to the northern Polar regions have been fitted out, and considerable additions to our knowledge of the geographical features of that part of the globe have been made during the present century, few voyagers have taken the Antarctic Circle for the field of their explorations. The exciting question of a north-west passage has, no doubt, contributed greatly to draw the attention of navigators chiefly to the north; but the peculiar dangers of the Southern Pole have probably contributed to render researches in this region unpopular among seamen, for here, to the terrors of snow and ice, are added the fearful storms which rage almost perpetually in those latitudes. Bellingshausen, a Russian navigator, and Balleny and Weddell, English explorers, and later still Captain Ross, have, during the present century, penetrated into this mysterious region, and brought home some additions to our knowledge; but one of the most interesting of the attempts to explore the Antarctic Circle was made by Captain D'Urville, a French navigator, who about twenty-five years since commanded the "Astrolabe," a vessel fitted out by the French government for an exploring voyage round the world.

A first attempt met with little success from a frightful dysentery having broken out among the crew of the "Astrolabe," by which a number perished. Having returned to Hobart Town to recruit, after twenty-eight months of incessant toil, the expedition was once more