The Winter Night. 273 



Observation in the afternoon shows 78 50' north 

 latitude, that is 6' farther north than on Saturday, or 

 2 per day. In the afternoon we had magnificent 

 aurora borealis glittering arches across the whole vault 

 of the sky from the east towards the west ; but when 1 

 was on deck this evening the sky was overcast ; only 

 one star shone through the cloudy veil the home star. 

 How I love it! It is the first thing my eye seeks, and 

 it is always there, shining on our path. I feel as if no 

 ill could befall us as long as I see it there .... 



" Wednesday, December 6th. This afternoon the ice 

 cracked abaft the starboard quarter ; this evening I see 

 that the crack has opened. We may expect pressure 

 now, as it is new moon either to-day or to-morrow." 



" Thursday, December 7th. The ice pressed at the 

 stern at five o'clock this morning for about an hour. 

 I lay in my berth and listened to it creaking and grinding 

 and roaring. There was slight pressure again in the 

 afternoon ; nothing to speak of. No slackening in the 

 forenoon." 



" Friday, December 8th. Pressure from seven till 

 eight this morning. As I was sitting drawing- in the 

 afternoon I was startled by a sudden report or crash. 

 It seemed to be straight overhead, as if great masses of 

 ice had fallen from the rigging on to the deck above my 

 cabin. Every one starts up and throws on some extra 

 garment ; those that are taking an afternoon nap jump 

 out of their berths right into the middle of the saloon, 



T 



