1854.] SCORBUTIC PECULIARITIES. 91 



fections of this disease. I have heard of people begging 

 to be buried up to the neck and left to die, rather than 

 be moved. He never rallied, was helpless since August 

 last, and, gradually losing the powers of speech and 

 breathing, died without pain. 



This case brings me to remark, although not appli- 

 cable to the deceased, the danger of bringing seamen the 

 second cruise to this climate " because they have been 

 here before." 



I entertain the opinion that this is wrong, both in 

 officers as well as men, Captains excluded. They know 

 the defects of " last cruise," and can see that they are 

 remedied ; but in no single instance (and I have not been 

 idle) have I been able to detect any advantage resulting 

 from the entry of " old hands," indeed the reverse. All 

 are given to talk : thus, " Oh ! Tom D- fell ill just 

 in this way, no scurvy, not a bit of it ; he had a bad 

 arm, it got worse, he died ; and then they found it was 

 all scurvy." These men are the first " hipped," and for 

 sledge-work are next to useless. Last season I consider 

 them to have broken down, and through the toils of this 

 their pluck may carry them, but home they must go by 

 the next opportunity, and what is the result ? The feel- 

 ings become unduly sensitive, irritable, and embittered ; 

 and they talk what I must, in compassion for their infir- 

 mities, term nonsense. Still however nonsense is conta- 

 gious ; it depresses those around them and creates dissen- 

 sion. These seers are prophets of bad omen. 



January 12. The wolf has become very audacious, 

 having bitten the small bitch belonging to the ' Pioneer.' 

 A trap has been constructed and very alluring baits laid ; 



