1853.] CHRISTMAS DAY. 81 



fort a severe hardship. This is merely my private opi- 

 nion, not discussed ; for we had not the most distant idea 

 of going home last season ; indeed, although I should 

 have left the ' North Star' at Beechey Island, 1 had al- 

 ready determined, if I passed that position, to have win- 

 tered in Pond's Bay, the Clyde, and other positions, 

 where I am now convinced that search for traces of Sir 

 John should be made, convinced as I am that he never 

 passed up this Channel. 



December 25. Here then we have reached Christmas 

 Day, not unlike any other, but Sunday adds to its so- 

 lemnity, and brings our day of rest from bodily, but 

 not mental labour. This morning the ice was gauged, 

 and found to be three feet eight inches, = 44 inches, 

 or at the rate of 0'45 during the last ten days, the 

 previous ten being 0'35 ; which will hereafter be re- 

 duced to a tabular form, as well as the effects of fittings, 

 which afford 19 increased temperature on the quarter- 

 deck, without wind, and in the main condenser over the 

 main hatchway (open) 46, the external air being only 

 -19. 



I first visited the ' Pioneer,' and although that is now 

 our hospital, and some allowance must be made for two 

 invalids in a very doubtful state, still there appeared 

 to be some attention to the comforts of the season. One 

 of the invalids indeed appeared to be in higher spirits, 

 and took a fancy to a glass of champagne, in which, of 

 course, he was, with the doctor's permission, indulged. 



At noon I examined the good cheer and admirable 

 taste and comfort displayed on board the ' Assistance ;' 

 and as I saw enough to describe, I shall not omit giving 



VOL. IT. G 



