Jan. 1.
Several whales were seen, and the white petrel (Procellaria nivea) was flying about in great numbers. In the evening a boat was lowered down, and several good specimens of this beautiful bird were added to our collection: a seal was also seen. During a partial clearing of the weather we had a good view of the pack, which extended as far as the eye could discern to the southward. Some large holes of water were seen beyond the edge, which, as usual, consisted of the heaviest pieces closely set together, but afforded us a confident hope of being able to make our way through it whenever circumstances should admit of the attempt: at that time it was perfectly calm, with a considerable swell from the northward, so that our ships were for several hours nearly unmanageable.
Jan. 2.At 5 a.m. a berg was observed at a short distance, with a large piece of rock upon it, and nearly covered with mud and stones. It had much the appearance of a small island; and Mr. Smith was sent to examine and bring specimens of the rock. It proved to be of volcanic origin, and must have been of many tons weight. At 8 a.m. a fresh breeze sprang up from the eastward, with thick snow-showers; the barometer also falling fast, led me to expect bad weather: we therefore stood off to the northward, to get into more clear water, and to wait a favourable opportunity of entering the pack. Thick weather prevailed throughout the day, and accompanied by a strong breeze and high sea, ren-
