76 MUSTARD AND CRESS ISSUED. [December, 



rature, which ranges between 40 a and 50, and 35 to 45 

 in my cabin, where Sylvester does not aid. 



The loading the decks with gravel and snow has of 

 course been superseded by the dry wood deck, the tem- 

 perature of which cannot well be proved. A very great 

 advantage is thus secured, as the removal of the snow 

 and gravel (literally ice) damages our decks and glass- 

 illuminators considerably. Last season the cabin sky- 

 light was filled in with oakum, and became almost a 

 mass of ice. It is at this moment free even from inter- 

 nal frost on the glass ! The clock occupies its summer 

 position, and is read off from my upper condensing 

 house by the sentry on duty on deck. 



December 8. I was agreeably surprised to find a 

 very refreshing salad of mustard and cress placed on 

 my table, and further, that an issue of seven pounds had 

 been administered among the crew generally. This ex- 

 ceeds our gardening of last season, when I perceive that 

 our first issue of three pounds took place on the 1st of 

 January. Certainly that before me was rather deficient 

 in its natural colour; but our eyes are now so very weak 

 and jaundiced, that I must imagine they deceive me ; in 

 flavour however it was perceptibly grateful. We have 

 also commenced brewing spruce beer, for the use of the 

 invalids. The first porter brewery has proved more suc- 

 cessful, so that we are evidently becoming more an, fait 

 at these matters. As regards the condition of the crew 

 generally, they appear to increase in size, probably the 

 result of additional clothing ; they are nevertheless fuller 

 in countenance, and the brightness of the eye assures me 

 that their general health and cheerfulness are not im- 



