GOOD EFFECTS OF THE DUCKING. 1()1 



being extended, checked his further descent. 

 His cries attracted the attention of Lieutenants 

 Smyth and M'Murdo, who, with^Mr. M'Clure, 

 being close by, instantly rescued him. The 

 temperature at that time was 43°— in the air. 

 He spoke of the immersion as having given a sen- 

 sation of pleasant warmth, doubtless attributable 

 to the difference (15°) between the water and the 

 atmosphere. On being placed on the ice, his 

 first request was to be permitted to sit down, 

 and as in the absence of the officers he would 

 in all probability have done so, he would inevi- 

 tably have been frozen, perhaps to death. They, 

 however, so far from acceding to his wish, com- 

 pelled him to run ; and when he was no longer 

 able to do so from fatigue and the stiffness of his 

 icy garments, he was forcibly pushed forwards 

 until he reached the ship, where blankets had 

 been prepared for his reception. These he 

 declined, as he well might, for on disencum- 

 bering him of his clothes, it was seen that he 

 was in a profuse perspiration, and thus, all 

 apprehension being removed, the whole affair 

 was converted into a jest. It was not, however, 

 without a good effect, as affording a warning 

 against incurring unnecessary risks for the 

 future. 



December 8th. The interval since the last 

 spring-tides had been free from any striking dis- 



M 



