1854.] COLD PERIODS, 89 



about the 12th of February we shall be keenly watching 

 for " the prodigal's return." 



January 8. About this period last year we expe- 

 rienced our extreme range of cold, but this season it 

 seems to observe nearly a week or a quarter of a moon 

 later, which would accord pretty well with the difference 

 in the times of full moon, indeed, almost a complete 

 substitution of the full for new, less four days. Under 

 our present temperature of 42 I never witnessed our 

 lower deck in a more dry or comfortable condition. Our 

 system has at length not only become completely esta- 

 blished, but even the most sceptical are now almost as 

 determined in their commendations. 



January 9. Yesterday I noticed a wolf prowling 

 alongshore when I left the Crystal Palace : had he been 

 inclined, he might easily have cut me off, as no one was 

 in sight to alarm, and I was too weak to make any run, 

 Today, hearing his howl in the direction of where our 

 men were at work obtaining clean snow to melt, I sent 

 a man with a musket for their protection. I found after- 

 wards that there was but one man, J. Billett. He de- 

 scribed the wolf as close to him, and " that he was howl- 

 ing in concert to keep him off." The wolf did not tarry 

 for the arrival of the man with the musket : they are 

 much too cunning to be taken. 



January 10. Shortly after midnight, at 0.20, George 

 Harriss, one of the invalids on board the 'Pioneer' tender, 

 departed this life. I fully expected his decease within 

 the week, having made his will the day before, and evi- 

 dently felt that he was going. He was taken ill about 

 the 25th of April last, complaining of cough, pain in the 



