1853.] THE NEW YEAR. 195 



very curious question results, from whence does our 

 snow, or crystalline stars of ice, corne ? They must be 

 formed and precipitated from an atmosphere exceeding 

 32 in temperature : they descend into 42; no less 

 than 74 variation in temperature. Does the cold me- 

 dium then compel ah 1 warmer bodies (possibly by con- 

 densing their vapour on them) to fall as the feather under 

 the receiver of an air-pump ? Verily we hourly witness 

 strange things, and but too often how many pass disre- 

 garded, unnoticed, because others have preceded ! Such 

 will ever be the case where science is at a discount, or 

 the possibly ignorant self-constituted philosopher sneers 

 at the questions which he is unable to answer, or which 

 happen to interfere with a favoured or popular theory. 



THE NEW YEAR OF 1853. 



January 1. This morning was ushered in by a song, 

 composed by our own bard, and sung by the choral band 

 of 'Assistance :' a copy was delivered to me, but being 

 in bed, much tired, and suffering from a fall on the ice, 

 I could not enjoy its intent. The crew however are en- 

 joying themselves ; so far all right. 



Today our gun-room officers entertained their friends. 

 It passed off much in the same style as Christmas, Com- 

 mander Richards presiding. I was of course a guest, and 

 happy to contribute to the general good humour. We 

 only wanted the missing parts of our Squadron, to make 

 all complete. Shah 1 we be able to pass it together next 

 year ? My own impression is adverse : if we should meet 

 before, undoubtedly our winter stations must be asunder. 



o 2 



