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some officers to a large iceberg, distant about two miles, for the purpose of observing the magnetic dip, variation, and intensity. In the meantime all eyes on board, aided by the glasses of the ships, had minutely examined the coast, but without discovering a single point which the ice had left uncovered. Notwithstanding the great improbability of a compact body of ice of such extent, fifteen hundred feet in height, doubts might still be entertained of the positive existence of land. Besides, their commander had ardently desired to present to geologists samples of that portion of our globe, the first specimens submitted to the inquiring gaze of man. At length, after many disappointments, his lieutenant directed his attention to some black stains, situate on that portion of the coast which was nearest to him, but which had hitherto been masked by a long chain of icebergs. After a short examination, D'Urville no longer had any doubt that they were rocks piercing the surface of the snow. For a moment he hesitated to send boats nearly six miles from the ships, for he knew how variable are the winds, and how thick and frequent the fogs, in latitudes like these. It was a terrible idea that he might be forced to leave the crews of two boats to certain and dreadful death, if a shift in the wind should drive him suddenly from this dangerous coast. Nevertheless, confiding in the promising aspect of the sky, and fearing that he might meet with no other such opportunity, he despatched a boat from each corvette towards this interesting portion of the coast. The sailors, who shared the enthusiasm of their officers, rowed with incredible vigour; and at eleven at night, the two boats returned on board, having ac-