Chap. VI. CAPTAIN PARRY'S SECOND VOYAGE. 165 



duration must produce were not dispersed by the 

 current that is known to exist, and which the Pole 

 itself may probably be the cause of producing, the 

 north wind, instead of being cold and boisterous, 

 would be mild. The aurora and haloes round the 

 sun and moon were of frequent appearance, but 

 none of them very remarkable. The magnetic 

 needle, attentively watched, was not found to be at 

 all affected by any of these phenomena. 



The shortest day passed without any interest 

 being attached to it. " On a former occasion, 

 novelty and the peculiarity of our situation gave it 

 importance. Now the case was very different; 

 their wintering was no longer an experiment ; their 

 comforts were greatly increased, and the prospect of 

 an early release as favourable as could be desired." 

 On Christmas-day Divine service was performed on 

 board the Fury, and attended by the officers and 

 crews of both ships ; an additional allowance of 

 provisions was issued, " and the day was marked 

 by the most cheerful hilarity, accompanied by the 

 utmost regularity and good order." Among the 

 luxuries was a joint of good English roast-beef, 

 preserved by the outside being rubbed with salt. 

 The last day of the year brought with it the high 

 gratification of observing the excellent health and 

 spirits enjoyed by almost every officer and man in 

 both ships. The one invalid was so much im- 

 proved that sanguine hopes were entertained of his 

 continued amendment. 



