lves apparent
here. It is true, that of vegetation there was so little, and that little
so meagre and of so hardy a nature, that in this respect the progress of
the seasons was not to be particularly noted; but in all others, Roswell
saw with growing uneasiness that the latest hour of his departure was
fast drawing near.

The sealing went on the while, and with reasonable returns, though the
golden days of the business had been seriously interrupted by Macy's
indiscretion and disobedience. The men worked hard, for they too foresaw
the approach of the long night of the antarctic circle, and all the risk
of remaining too long. As we have had frequent occasion to use the term
'antarctic,' it may be well here to say a few words in explanation. It is
not our wish to be understood that these sealers had penetrated literally
within that belt of eternal snows and ice, but approximatively. Few
navigators, so far as our knowledge extends, have absolutely gone as far
south as this. Wilkes did it, it is true; and others among the late
explorers have been equally enterprising and successful. The group visited
by Gardiner on this occasion was quite near to this imaginary line; but we
do not feel at liberty precisely to give its latitude and longitude. To
this hour it remains a species of private property; and in this age of
anti-rentism and other audacious innovations on long-received and
venerable rules of conduct, we do not choose to be parties to any inroads
on the rights of individuals when invaded by the cupidity and ruthless
power of numbers. Those who wish to imitate Roswell must find the islands
by bold adventure as he reached them; for we are tongue-tied on the
subject. It is enough, therefore, that we say the group is _near_ the
antarctic circle; whether a little north or a little south of it, is a
matter of no moment. As those seas have a general character, we shall
continue to call-them the antarctic seas; with the understanding that,
included in the term, are the nearest waters without as well as within the
circle.

Glad enough was Roswell Gardiner when his twenty days were up. March was
now far advanced, and the approach of the long nights was near. The
Vineyard craft was not full, nor was Daggett yet able to walk without a
crutch; but orders were issued by Gardiner, on the evening of the last
day, for his own crew to "knock off sealing," and to prepare to get under
way for home.

"Your mind is made up, Gar'ner," sai