288 THE JEANNETTE ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



ing of the 2d a large bear made us a visit, walking up the 

 gang-plank with evident intentions of coming on board. The 

 dogs had come in ahead of him and were huddled together 

 on deck, barking furiously. Bruin paid for his temerity with 

 his life, for Mr. D unbar came out with his rifle and soon dis- 

 patched him. Though we received other numerous visits 

 from these huge creatures, none were so bold as he. They 

 would commonly make off at sight, though when cornered 

 showed fight at the dogs. 



On the 22d of February the ship was dressed with bunting 

 and presented a very gay appearance. American ensigns at 

 the fore and main, and the American yachting ensign at the 

 mizzen. Our soundings at this season averaged about thirty- 

 three fathoms, with a mud bottom. " The returning light 

 shows the effect of its absence in the bleached appearance of 

 all. I notice the cold renders the finger-nails brittle. Mea- 

 surements beside a recent crack show the floe to be about 

 ten feet in thickness. This is ice made this winter." A 

 series of measurements taken after this made the average 

 thickness eight feet. 



Among the peculiarities of some of the walrus which I 

 saw, I would mention the difference in size and length of 

 the tusks, the left tusk being the longest, the upper teeth 

 much more worn than the lower, and in one skull a singular 

 one-sided development of lower jaw. I believe it has been 

 considered doubtful if the walrus is carnivorous. Without 

 attempting any discussion I would say, I have taken pieces 

 of skin with hair attached from the stomach of one shot by 

 the Indian Alexai. This skin was from a young bearded 

 seal (Phoea barbata). Four bears were the most seen to- 

 gether. During the month of April I took a small sparrow 

 and a small bird (Budytes flava*), stragglers from shore. 

 May 1st saw the first gull a kittiwakc. It was rather dis- 

 tant. During the first part of this month I shot some 

 murres (Z7. Brunnichii) and guillemots (7. grylle), and 

 saw others. " All the birds go west. I think there must be 

 land in that direction where they go to nest." 



