AMUSEMENTS. 157 



and 38°— of Newman's, it was rather thought 

 that the detached pieces might again unite and 

 form a stronger bulwark of defence than before. 



It has been already mentioned that the crew 

 were daily exercised on the ice ; and as it 

 seemed better that the mind should be fixed on 

 some object, the accomplishment of which might 

 be looked forward to with a sort of interest, 

 the whole were directed to build up snow walls 

 and galleries in different directions from the 

 ship. These being destined for the comfort of 

 all, the work was cheerfully undertaken, and 

 the operators were rewarded with a proportion- 

 able stock of health. Good, however, as was 

 the general health, it was necessary to relieve 

 the monotony of scene and occupation ; and 

 in this view the officers kindly undertook to 

 perform a play for the amusement of the men. 

 Accordingly, on November 29th, a day speci- 

 ally selected on account of the gallant action 

 off Pelagossa, 1811, (such had been the deep 

 impression left by Sir J. Gordon's good offices 

 and urbanity), every preparation that our limited 

 means would permit having been made, it was 

 announced that the Farce of Monsieur Tonson 

 would be acted that evening. The exhibition 

 at the appointed hour, ushered in by an 

 appropriate prologue from the first lieutenant, 

 and set off by scenery from the brush of the 

 same accomplished performer, occasioned hearty 



