38 PROSPECT FOR WINTER. Chap. III. 



of us to the westward, are now, in the short space of two 

 days, nearly out of sight to the eastward. 



The preparations for wintering and sledge-travelling go 

 on with unabated alacrity; the latter will be useful should 

 it become necessary to abandon the ship. 



Notwithstanding such a withering blight to my dearest 

 hopes, yet I cannot overlook the many sources of gratifica- 

 tion which do exist j we have not only the necessaries, but 

 also a fair portion of the luxuries of ordinary sea-life ; our 

 provisions and clothing are abundant and well suited to the 

 climate. Our whole equipment, though upon so small a 

 scale, is perfect in its way. We all enjoy excellent health, 

 and the men are most cheerful and willing. 



Our "native auxiliaries," consisting of Christian and his 

 twenty-nine dogs, are capable of performing immense ser- 

 vice ; whilst Mr. Petersen from his great arctic experience 

 is of much use to me, besides being all that I could wish as 

 an interpreter. Humanly speaking, we were not unreason- 

 able in confidently looking forward to a successful issue of 

 this season's operations, and I greatly fear that poor Lady 

 Franklin's disappointment will consequently be the more 

 severely felt. 



We are doomed to pass a long winter of absolute inuti- 

 lity, if not of idleness, in comparative peril and privation ; 

 nevertheless the men seem very happy, — thoughtless of 

 course, as true sailors always are. 



We have drifted off the bank into much deeper water, 

 and suppose this is the reason that seals have become more 

 scarce. 



22nd. — Constant N.W. winds continue to drift us slowly 

 southward. Strong indications of water in the N.W., W., 

 and S.E. ; its vicinity may account for a rise in the tempe- 

 rature, without apparent cause, to 2 7 at noon to-day. 



The newly-formed ice affords us delightful walking ; the 



