86 EFFECT OF WIND ON SNOW. [December. 



and our objects of some five or six feet. This any ra- 

 tional mind will comprehend as the effect of an eddy 

 wind, and the elevation and firmness of such a deposi- 

 tion, reaching to that exhibited in the former volume, 

 depends entirely on the force and continuance of the 

 breeze, as well as the surface of the body deflecting it, 

 until it becomes of no farther importance by the greater 

 elevation of the snow-wreath to windward. If this over- 

 topping wave of snow-wreath should reach the object, 

 doubtless the bank would form a solid bridge. Even at 

 this season we have several very pretty illustrations ; first 

 in the Crystal Palace, next in the tents pitched beside 

 it, and thirdly in the cask inverted over our ice gauge 

 on the floe. In the Crystal Palace case the breeze has 

 furrowed out a fair passage to the principal entrance on 

 the south, and behind, where the provisions have been 

 stowed, enabling us to dig them out as required. 



The tents, particularly the circular bell tent, from con- 

 stant vibration, throw off any snow which falls, and the 

 breeze prevents its resting within a deep circular ditch, 

 having full three feet depth of snow surrounding it ; and 

 the inverted cask on the floe equally bids defiance, pre- 

 serving its base free by a similar furrow. If the ship 

 was not so well sheltered by high land from the prevail- 

 ing winds, doubtless she would exhibit another interest- 

 ing snow-wreath. 



