Jan. 1859. CHRISTMAS CHEER. 189 



seen, and of these I shot one brace. The cold increases : 

 thermometer has fallen to — 47 J °, although blowing a 

 moderate gale at the time, and the atmosphere dense with 

 mist. 



Our Christmas has been spent with a degree of loyalty to 

 the good old English custom at once spirited and refreshing. 

 All the good things which could possibly be collected to- 

 gether appeared upon the snow-white deal tables of the men, 

 as the officers and myself (by invitation) walked round the 

 lower deck. Venison, beer, and a fresh stock of clay pipes, 

 appeared to be the most prized luxuries ; but the variety 

 and abundance of the eatables, tastefully laid out, was such 

 as might well support the delusion which all seemed desirous 

 of imposing upon themselves — that they were in a land of 

 plenty — in fact, all but at home ! We contributed a large 

 cheese and some preserves, and candles superseded the 

 ordinary smoky lamps. With so many comforts, and the 

 existence of so much genuine good feeling, their evening was 

 a joyous one, enlivened also by songs and music. 



Whilst all was order and merriment within the ship, the 

 scene without was widely different. A fierce north-wester 

 howled loudly through the rigging, the snowdrift rustled 

 swiftly past, no star appeared through the oppressive gloom, 

 and the thermometer varied between 7 6° and 8o° below the 

 freezing point. At one time it was impossible to visit 

 the magnetic observatory, although only 210 yards distant, 

 and with a rope stretched along, breast high, upon poles 

 the whole way. The officers discharged this duty for the 

 quartermasters of the watches during the day and night. 



1 st Jan. 1859. — This being Saturday night as well as 

 New } ear's Day, " Sweethearts and Wives " were remem- 

 bered with even more than the ordinary feeling. New 

 year's eve was celebrated with all the joyfulness which 

 ardent hope can inspire : and we have reasonable ground 



