1853.] 'PIONEER' PITTED AS AN HOSPITAL. 21 



in England, and that the ship could have been safely 

 navigated here and back, if necessity required, without 

 its removal ; indeed, I would retain the entire framework, 

 as not at all inconveniencing the deck stowage. 



But still further to preserve on the upper deck a plea- 

 santer promenade, and to take off the sharpness of ad- 

 mitted air, I propose to form a level ceiling overhead by 

 the inverted boats and old canvas ; over this, the housing; 

 and beneath all, when grim winter is unmistakably esta- 

 blished, the further protection of all the spare sails, form- 

 ing also, laterally, an inner curtain, thus producing ano- 

 ther artificial deck, of a temperature some degrees higher 

 than in its ordinary exposed state. But all this would 

 be inefficient, if the entrance was left accessible to any 

 intrusive breeze. Our entree is therefore quasi-Esqui- 

 maux, by a portico from the floe, having the ascent lead- 

 ing forward to a landing below the gunwale, previously 

 fitted for our accommodation ladder. This leads, by a 

 rectangular inner porch, to the gunwale, thence descend- 

 ing to the deck, where mats will be spread, instead of the 

 one foot of snow and gravel of last season, to preserve 

 warmth and dryuess, and prevent the slumbers of those 

 who can command pleasant dreams from being disturbed 

 by the drum-like sound of every constitutional pacer of 

 the icy deck. No trouble will be spared; but until 

 we are safe, the greater part of these measures cannot be 

 completed. 



The sick, who during the last season were subject to 

 all the inconveniences I have stated, have now been re- 

 moved to the midship section of the 'Pioneer,' where 

 greater height, a powerful Brodie's stove, and detaching 



