On December 17, 1842, Ross set out on his third and last Antarctic voyage.  His object this time was to reach a high latitude along the coast of Louis Philippe Land, if possible, or alternatively by following Weddell’s track.  Both attempts were frustrated by the ice conditions.

On sighting Joinville Land, the officers of the Terror thought they could see smoke from active volcanoes, but Ross and his men did not confirm this.  About fifty years later active volcanoes were actually discovered by the Norwegian, Captain C. A. Larsen, in the Jason.  A few minor geographical discoveries were made, but none of any great importance.

This concluded Ross’s attempts to reach the South Pole.  A magnificent work had been achieved, and the honour of having opened up the way by which, at last, the Pole was reached must be ascribed to Ross.

The Pagoda, commanded by Lieutenant Moore, was the next vessel to make for the South.  Her chief object was to make magnetic observations in high latitudes south of the Indian Ocean.

The first ice was met with in lat. 53deg. 30’ S., on January 25,1845.  On February 5 the Antarctic Circle was crossed in long. 30deg. 45’ E. The most southerly latitude attained on this voyage was 67deg. 50’, in long. 39deg.41’ E.

This was the last expedition to visit the Antarctic regions in a ship propelled by sails alone.

The next great event in the history of the southern seas is the Challenger expedition.  This was an entirely scientific expedition, splendidly equipped and conducted.

The achievements of this expedition are, however, so well known over the whole civilized world that I do not think it necessary to dwell upon them.

Less known, but no less efficient in their work, were the whalers round the South Shetlands and in the regions to the south of them.  The days of sailing-ships were now past, and vessels with auxiliary steam appear on the scene.

Before passing on to these, I must briefly mention a man who throughout his life insisted on the necessity and utility of Antarctic expeditions —­ Professor Georg von Neumayer.

Never has Antarctic research had a warmer, nobler, and more high-minded champion.  So long as “Antarctica” endures, the name of Neumayer will always be connected with it.

The steam whaler Gronland left Hamburg on July 22, 1872, in command of Captain Eduard Dallmann, bound for the South Shetlands.  Many interesting geographical discoveries were made on this voyage.

Amongst other whalers may be mentioned the Balaena, the Diana, the Active, and the Polar Star of Dundee.

In 1892 the whole of this fleet stood to the South to hunt for whales in the vicinity of the South Shetlands.  They each brought home with them some fresh piece of information.  On board the Balaena was Dr. William S. Bruce.  This is the first time we meet with him on his way to the South, but it was not to be the last.