Light adverse winds and thick weather on the Dec. 27.27th greatly impeded us. We were amongst loose ice, and many bergs; these were in a state of rapid dissolution, from the temperature of the air being up to 37°, and that of the sea to 34°. Frequent loud reports and crashes were heard as they broke up and rolled over, so that it was dangerous to approach them, and an unusual sight to us; for on our two former visits to the southern regions, we had never seen the least appearance of thaw or of breaking up of bergs.
Dec. 28.Land was discovered on the 28th, at 6 {{|sc|p.m.}} It presented to our view a remarkable cape, with a deep indentation to the northward of it, having the appearance of a good harbour, and terminated by a less conspicuous headland. Still further to the northward, and at a great distance, another promontory was clearly seen, which I believe to be the "Point des Français " of Admiral D'Urville: the northernmost cape of the land he named "Joinville."
The summit of the highest land to the southward was partially concealed by mist, but which occasionally cleared away, and exposed to view an even round topped mountain, covered with snow, out of which two warty excrescences of rock projected, of very curious appearance, owing to their ruggedness, and being quite free from snow. Wreaths of snow or mist which whirled round the hill-tops, led Captain Crozier and his officers to believe they could perceive smoke issuing from