1852.] PREPARATIONS FOR TRAVEL. 185 



riod unnoticed) importunate ; nevertheless no one seems 

 to fail in health, indeed the officers and crew will pro- 

 bably be in much better condition on the 25th Decem- 

 ber, 1852, than they were on that day last year ! Their 

 light hearts, no doubt, will be far away. 



In the monotony of winter it is well that we can find 

 employment ; all our attention is now directed towards 

 the intended spring travelling, and the arrangement of 

 men, as well as aides, to the several sledge duties. As 

 regards myself, upon this latter point, I shall not decide 

 until the last moment, uncertain whether I may not be 

 placed beyond the pale of such exertion. I do not fear 

 it ; but I have many croakers about me, who fancy I 

 ought not to venture. With reference to the duty to be 

 executed, I am aware that it will be a very serious and 

 doubtful service, for I know full well the uncertainty of 

 the ice with which we shall have to deal and the difficul- 

 ties men and officers will have to encounter, should they 

 be compelled to work with boat and sledge together, 

 which, from a curious habit of " seeing ahead," I am in- 

 clined to think will be imperative ; or, should they suc- 

 ceed in getting safely across to the southern side of this 

 channel on firm ice, still boats will be requisite for their 

 relief, unless indeed the water makes early and permits 

 the ship or tender to visit the southern coast, which I 

 am inclined to think will not be improbable.* As to the 

 north-eastern search, which I have selected as my own 

 route, I have no fears, because, as I shall have to visit 

 islands where the open sea prevailed last year, at an 

 early period, I shall be provided with one or more boats, 

 duly prepared ; and, if caught on the mainland, I am 



* These remarks were fully verified. 



