hoisted out and landed with a
large party of men, some to kill seals or sea-lions, and others to kill
or catch birds, fish, or whatever came in their way. The sea-lions,
with which the island was covered, were so unaccustomed to the sight of
man that they did not attempt to escape, and were knocked on the head
with sticks and clubs. The only danger was by getting between them and
the water, when, as they came floundering on, they were likely to knock
down and rush over any one thus placed. A large supply of sea-lions,
bears, geese, and ducks was soon obtained. The old lions were killed
solely for the sake of their blubber, from which oil was extracted, for
their flesh was abominable, but that of the cubs was considered very
good, and even that of the lionesses was not amiss.

Once more, on January 3, 1775, the Resolution was at sea, steering an
easterly course, in search of land said to exist in about the latitude
53 degrees or 54 degrees. At nine o'clock on the morning of the 13th
land was seen by a man named Willis. At first it was taken for an
iceberg, but on their drawing nearer the appearance changed, and
soundings being found, with a muddy bottom, at one hundred and
seventy-five fathoms, there was no doubt that it was really land, and
the name of the discoverer was given to it. Passing between Willis
Island and another islet, called Bird Island, land was seen extending
for a considerable distance. The ship ranged along it, about a league
from the shore, for part of two days, till an inlet appeared, towards
which the ship steered. Instead, however, of the ship going in, a boat
was hoisted out, and the captain, with Mr Forster and others, embarked
in her to survey the bay. They landed in three different places,
displayed the British flag, and took possession of the country in his
Majesty's name, under a discharge of small arms.

The appearance of the territory thus added to the dominion of Great
Britain was not attractive. The head of the bay, as well as two
portions on either side, consisted of perpendicular ice cliffs of
considerable height. Pieces were continually breaking off and floating
out to sea, and even while they were in the bay huge masses fell which
made a noise like the discharge of a cannon. The inner parts of the
country were not less savage and horrible. Wild rocks raised their
lofty summits till they were lost in the clouds, and even the valleys
were covered with everlasting snow. N