Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 1.djvu/212

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132
AUCKLAND ISLANDS.
[Chap. VI.
1840

wards found to be only a short distance from the westernmost part of Laurie Harbour; it was reached by Mr. McCormick and some other officers, by following the course of the stream that empties its waters into the head of the harbour, and whose source is in the hills above Black Head: these hills are from eight to nine hundred feet high.

Bristow Rock, which is reported to lie between eight and nine miles due north from Enderby Island, and level with the water's edge, we did not see, but is a danger to be carefully avoided by ships approaching the northern harbour. I may also mention that there is a narrow entrance to the harbour between the west end of Enderby Island and Rose's Island, which is only a channel fit for boats. The sea was breaking right across the opening when we passed it; but in calm weather it might be mistaken by strangers as a safe passage.

On rounding the N.E. cape of Enderby Island, we passed through some strong whirlpools, occasioned by the meeting of the tides off this point; and although we did not find soundings with our ordinary hand lines, it is by no means improbable that some shoals or rocky patches may have some influence in producing these strong and dangerous eddies.

As we opened the harbour, the squalls came down from the western hills with much violence, threatening to blow us out to sea again; and it required the utmost vigilance and activity of the officers and crew in beating up, at times, to maintain the ground we had gained. There is, however,