152 DISCOVERIES OF 1596. 



coals on board the vessel, but the fire made with 

 these had nearly suffocated the whole party. 

 Tlicir clock soon became frozen, and it was then 

 necessary for some of them, by turns, constantly to 

 watch the hour-glass, that they might not mistake 

 the time. Being frequently attacked by bears, 

 which assaulted their w^ooden hut, and opposed 

 them whenever they stirred abroad, they found 

 means to kill several of these ferocious animals, 

 and used their fat for their lamps ; from a single 

 bear they extracted about a hundred pounds of 

 grease. Finding the liver of this animal palatable 

 food, they eat heartily of it, but it made them all 

 sick ; and three of the party were so ill, in con- 

 sequence thereof, that the skin came off their 

 bodies from head to foot. 



It deserves to be remarked, that when the sun 

 disappeared, the bears immediately took leave of 

 them; and their place was as speedily supplied by 

 white foxes, which came in great abundance, and 

 served them both as food and clothing, their flesh 

 tasting like that of rabbits. By setting traps on 

 tlie roof of their house, they caught abundance of 

 these useful animals; but immediately after the 

 re-appearance of the sun, the foxes took their 

 departure and the bears again renewed their 

 visits. 



When the 19th of December arrived these 

 imhappy men began to receive consolation at the 

 thought that half the total absence of the sun had 

 now been got over. Miserable as their situation 



