REPAIR THE SHIP. 4<7 



the force with which the ship had struck against 

 the ice in boring ; and having careened her, the 

 whole of the forenoon was employed in restoring 

 it with plank and a sheathing of iron. At noon 

 the observations made us six or seven miles to 

 the southward of yesterday's position, but at the 

 same time somewhat to the westward. We en- 

 deavoured to try the different dipping-needles ; 

 but after getting the instruments fixed, the ice 

 was found to move too much in azimuth, and 

 we were obliged to relinquish the attempt, The 

 floe to which we were attached, seemed to have 

 been formed by the pressure of many detached 

 pieces together, some of which were uplifted ten 

 or fifteen feet above the level of the general mass. 

 Several pools of excellent fresh water were found 

 on it ; and this being a good opportunity to fill 

 the empty tanks, the ship was warped alongside 

 and with the assistance of the engine, the task 

 was soon completed. The officers amused them- 

 selves with shooting, and bagged two or three 

 brace of dovekies, which after being skinned and 

 steeped for a time in water, were made into sea 

 pies, and pronounced very excellent eating. 

 They also endeavoured to kill some seals, which 

 continually popped their heads out of the water 

 with apparent curiosity, gazing stupidly at those 

 who were about to destroy them. But though 

 it is certain they were hit, and often on the head, 



