244 SEVERE SHOCKS. [CHAP.V. 



sometimes shaded by the rigging, and having no 

 other place so free from radiation to put it, the 

 register was not to be depended on. Baro- 

 meter, 29. 94. Latitude, 64° 14' 20" N., and 

 longitude, 81° 27' 15" W. 



During the entire part of the afternoon the 

 ice appeared to set in a northerly direction, 

 though at 5 h p. m. the high land was far more 

 distinct than I had hitherto seen it, many breaks 

 and inequalities being observed which were not 

 previously visible. For a couple of hours there 

 were irregular movements near us, and between 

 7 h 30 m and 8 h the usual rushing sounds were 

 heard in the north-west quarter. The cracking 

 ice marked the course of the disturbing force 

 whatever it was, which, though frequently de- 

 viating and interrupted for a few seconds, 

 again broke onward with increased violence, bear- 

 ing down all opposition. Such were the severe 

 attacks the ship had continually to withstand, 

 and that too, at the weakest point. She cracked 

 much around the quarter, and was otherwise 

 heavily pressed. 



February 26th. During several hours, the 

 ice, though to all appearance close jammed to- 

 gether, was often in motion, and came with 

 such sudden shocks, that few were able to sleep. 

 Many, indeed, lay down in their clothes, ready 

 to start up at a moment. Our devotions this 



