1853.] EFFECT OF THE SXJN's HEAT. 307 



skin covering, partly adhering : and from its perfume on 

 exposure to the sun at this early date, must have be- 

 longed to a recent visitor. 



Dr. Lyall found amusement in shooting at plover, 

 brent-geese, aud ducks, on the low belt, at least until 

 supper-time. But having taken my station on the hill, 

 I was in no humour to descend until my work was com- 

 plete, and that would detain me until two P.M. at least. 

 As the men must have rest, a watch was established until 

 that hour ; the little food that I required, being sent up 

 when occasion offered. However, two of my guards 

 wished for exploration, and it being their watch I re- 

 leased them. They ascended the highest snow-clad 

 mount, and as they explained themselves on their return, 

 much fatigued, "Deepish; not fit for you, Sir!" I was 

 satisfied. On the highest mound they constructed a 

 mark with antlers, and returned with the one alluded to, 

 evidently dropped this year. From their account of the 

 land seen westerly, I had already viewed the extremes 

 of that group from positions on the floe. At the time 

 we commenced operations here the soil was well frozen : 

 and into that state, water exposed a few minutes would 

 also be reduced. The ground betrayed no symptom of 

 weakness : it was partially snow-clad. But as the power 

 of the sun increased towards noon, the snow about me 

 disappeared, the instrument legs sank deeper into the 

 soil, the levels shifted and frequently required adjust- 

 ment ; yet still the temperature, as exhibited by a ther- 

 mometer protected from sun, and hanging to the tripod 

 of the instrument, sometimes behind our earth-pile, sim- 

 ply indicated 25, or 7 below freezing. As noon passed, 



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