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“ Two thirds of the height are covered with snow ; and two
enormous glaciers descend into the deep blue waters of the
sea beneath. When the sun shines, it is a most brilliant and
magnificent sight.
“ Many days were almost lost to us, in consequence of heavy
gales, accompanied by torrents of rain ; but we profited by
intervals of fine weather to move from cove to cove.
“ On the 5th of May, while working out of Stormy Bay,
we grounded, and remained fixed upon a rock several hours,
but were lifted off again by the next tide, without having sustained
material injury.
“ To vessels navigating this channel, I should strongly recommend
giving a preference to the south shore, where there
are many openings, and I have no doubt good anchorages,
which, as our time was limited, and the weather very tempestuous,
we had not an opportunity of examining. I f any such
exist they would have a decided advantage over those on the
north shore, from being generally to windward, and therefore
easy to leave, as well as more secure. King and Fitz Roy
Islands, lying in mid-channel, between Stormy and Park Bays,
are of bold approach, as are also the Kirke Rocks, which lie
further to the S.W.
“ One morning, being anxious to obtain a more secure
situation for the vessel, we started in search of a better berth,
intending, if possible, to reach a bay on the other shore, near
Barrow Head, apparently afibrding good anchorage ; but after
beating about, from nine until four o’clock, without being
able to reach it, the breeze freshening, and sea increasing, we
bore up, and again anchored under the lee of the same island.
S.W. winds prevail in these parts throughout the year: in
confirmation of which, besides the experience we ourselves have
had, all the trees which stand exposed, are bent in an opposite
direction ; and on the S.W. side of all the land open to that
point, not only does the vegetation commence Inuch further
from the water’s edge, but it is scarcer, and more stunted. In
sheltered places the trees grow to within a foot of high-water
mark.
I'I!”
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