1854.] CRACKS IN GROUNDED ICE. 95 



Seven distinct cracks near the coast-line mark the 

 lines where the ice rests upon the bottom, some gaping 

 so wide that it requires caution to step over them. In 

 several places, where rocks doubtless occur beneath, the 

 floe is broken into very obtuse pyramidal irregularities. 



January 22. Under the low temperatures which we 

 have lately experienced, 54 '5, the condensation at the 

 bows, and about the mainmast, seems to call for further 

 experiment. I have therefore opened two illuminators 

 forward, and inverted casks over the orifices, securely 

 fitted with oakum, etc., and further opened up the offi- 

 cers' companion, abaft the mainmast, three feet above 

 the deck, covering it well with canvas. These seem to 

 have acted very decidedly, by accumulating vast depo- 

 sitions of ice ; indeed it is very clear to my mind that 

 materials only are wanting to remedy instantly any de- 

 fects of this nature as readily as they may present them- 

 selves. 



It is my firm conviction that we are far behind in all 

 the arrangements, and an entire new scheme should be 

 adopted in the fitting of Arctic ships. All cabins should 

 be free from the sides, and occupy the midship lines, 

 with a free course for warm air round the wings from 

 stem to stern. The messes should be placed amidships, 

 and closets along the whole sides, for preserved meats, 

 etc. This would not only enormously increase the stow- 

 age, but render the distribution of small stores much 

 more convenient, and destroy all nests for ice, excepting 

 such as would act beneficially, serving as condensers, 

 from whence, having no shelves, the ice could conve- 

 niently be removed when expedient. However, as it is 



