180 PRIVATION AND SICKNESS. 



informed, first, of the day on which the sun ap- 

 peared for the last time that season, and for 

 the last time these unfortunate beings were 

 destined to behold it. This occurred on the 

 21st October. From that date until the 24th 

 November we hear of no complaint; but they 

 now began to feel the effect of the climate, 

 and of their unnatural mode of life in the appear- 

 ance of that disease which had proved fatal to 

 the settlers upon Jan Mayen. In anticipation of 

 this complaint, they had provided a " scorbutic 

 potion," of which they partook as soon as they 

 perceived symptoms of the disease, but it does 

 not appear to have had any permanently benefi- 

 cial effect, as the party fell sick and took to 

 their beds, one after the other, until several of 

 them were incapacitated for exertion of any 

 kind. On the 12th December, although total 

 darkness reigned throughout the twenty-four 

 hours, such of the party as could walk, went in 

 search of fresh food, and vegetable diet, to allevi- 

 ate the disease, which was rapidly insinuating its 

 poison into their constitutions, but, after an un- 

 successful search, they returned disheartened to 

 their miserable dwelling, to brood over their mis- 

 fortunes. They anxiously watched from day to 

 day for the approach of some animal, that should 

 afford them a fresh meal, and on the 23rd their 



