We had now to be very careful of our vessel, and proceed with the greatest caution. We sighted volcanoes in the distance, but, owing to the icebergs, were unable to make much headway, being sometimes almost stationary for weeks at a time. Nevertheless, we were in the highest spirits, and the scene was cheerful; the sun remained constantly above the horizon, and marine animals and seabirds were seen in every direction. Myriads of seals seemed tireless in their activity, and the cries of seabirds, great and small, in many instances not unmusical, broke the silence of those otherwise tranquil regions. Albatrosses, penguins, and sea-gulls of endless variety were in the greatest abundance, and animals and birds appeared so intensely happy that it was evident they had not always been accustomed to such congenial surroundings.
Nor was the whole without its effect upon us, for although the summer was already far advanced, we could get no farther to the south, and yet we had no desire to return north without accomplishing anything; so we waited on somewhat undecided, knowing that our best course was to leave early, as we neither wished nor intended to pass a winter in those parts.
