Geographical Notes

Abstract

LETTERS dated March 9 have been received from the Antarctic whaling vessels confirming and extending the brief telegraphic information already published. The ships did not proceed farther south than 67° latitude, and discovered no signs of the existence of the Greenland whale, although whales of several other Species were common, and there were great numbers of grampuses. In default of whaling, the energy of he crews was devoted to sealing, and the four vessels secured between them about 16,000 skins and a full cargo of oil. The seals were of several varieties, but until the return of the ships their species cannot be determined, nor their commercial value known. The weather throughout the whole stay in Antarctic waters was severe, and the formation of ice compelled the vessels to return at an earlier date than was at first intended. Flat icebergs of enormous size were seen, one being reported as fifty Miles in length. The facilities afforded for scientific work were disappointing.