SCIENTIFIC RECREATIONS. 



221 



for such work. A box of geological specimens was obtained, 

 and is now in my charge, it having been recovered from 

 the captain's cache, near the mouth of the Lena. The 

 doctor was very enthusiastic about certain amethysts, opals, 

 and petrifactions that he had obtained ; these are probably 

 lost. 





EXPLORING BENNETT ISLAND. 



While on the island I observed that the sea to the south 

 and west was freer from ice than that to the eastward, 

 and that water-clouds to the northwest were very common ; 

 and it occurred to me that in good seasons a vessel could 

 reach the island, which might form a good base for explora- 

 tions further to the north. 



