1853.] PROOF OF ICE LIFTING THE SHIP. 63 



equable, dry, and satisfactory temperature have been 

 completely arrested, until winter places our fate undeni- 

 ably in our own hands ; as until the ship is beyond doubt 

 "frozen in" we are unable to secure the hatchways. As 

 far as present experience affords a test, all our experi- 

 ments have so far proved satisfactory, that we experience 

 a much purer air below, less condensation of vapour, and 

 more general comfort ; but until the outer cold air can 

 be entirely cut off, the plan is incomplete. At present no 

 less than 12 difference of temperature is apparent be- 

 tween the external temperature and that on the quarter- 

 deck, the former being 6, and the latter +6 . 



It is strange, however, that even with thermometer 

 proof, some will obstinately cling to "former cruises" and 

 impressions, even in questions where health and life are 

 hazarded. 



According to my notions of Arctic visitations, I antici- 

 pated the first notice of intense, or winter, cold between 

 the 6th and 10th of November, or by last season between 

 the 5th and 12th. Yesterday, the 6th, it fell as low as 

 12' 5, but rose again on the noon following to 6. 



The observations as to the lifting of the ship have been 

 completely realized. A batten nailed to the stern-post 

 indicates at present an elevation above the previous ice 

 level of eighteen inches at the stern, or a depression at 

 the bow nearly equal to two feet on her true line of floa- 

 tation : and this difference of level has, I suspect, aided 

 Sylvester's warming apparatus to work more to my an- 

 noyance, as well as that of the officers ; not by warm air, 

 but conveying to the after-cabins the nauseous perfumes 

 of the boiled cabbage, tobacco-smoke, etc., from the 



