File:The cruise of Her Majesty's ship "Challenger" - voyages over many seas, scenes in many lands (1877) (14760531836).jpg

Identifier: cruiseofhermaj00spry (find matches)
Title: The cruise of Her Majesty's ship "Challenger" : voyages over many seas, scenes in many lands
Year: 1877 (1870s)
Authors: Spry, W. J. J. (William James Joseph), d. 1906 Burrows, C. Acton (Charles Acton), 1853-1948 (bookplate)
Subjects: Challenger (Ship) Voyages around the world
Publisher: Toronto : Belford Bros.
Contributing Library: Robarts - University of Toronto
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Toronto

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ad been sailingover an average depth of 2200 fathoms. On the 27th August land was reported, and as weneared St. Pauls Rocks, so the little pinnacles in themidst of the ocean became clearer and clearer. Therewas deep water close to; so we secured to the lee-sideby means of a large hawser. The rocks are situated in 0° 58 north latitude, and29° 15 west longitude. They are 540 miles fromthe coast of South America, and 350 from FernandoNoronha. The highest point is only about 60 feetabove the level of the sea. In moderately fineweather a landing can usually be effected. Hundredsof sea-birds frequent them ; but there was not a singleplant or moss to be found, nor any fresh water to beobtained. During the two days of our stay the rocks werealive with surveyors, naturalists, and others. Fishwas to be obtained in abundance. A thorough geo-logical examination was made, with a view to testthe practicability of erecting a lighthouse, as a monu- iiiiiiiiii(ii!iiiiiii(im! pwiiii iifi I WW* ■ffM
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CROSSING THE LINK 87 ment to the memory of the late Captain Maury,United States Navy—who was the father of deep-seaexploration, and who has rendered such importantaid to navigation. However, from our observations,the decision was altogether unfavourable. On the morning of 29th August hawsers were castoff, and we steamed round the rocks, taking sound-ings and current observations; and on the next daycrossed the Equator in longitude 30° 18 west. Thedisagreeable practice of shaving, &c., those who forthe first time cross the Line was not permitted,although there were many who were anxious to joinin the usual sport. This old-fashioned custom, whichthe present age seems inclined to get rid of, isgradually falling into disuse, and but few ships com-panies now pay that homage on entering Neptunesdominions as they were wont to. So the invisiblebelt was crossed; and as the night advanced themore striking became the aspect of the Southern Con-stellations. The sparkling light of the North

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