256 BARENTZ' THIRD VOYAGE. 



a.d. similar observations on the 20th and 21st March, 

 which give the same results. 



If the facts be as they are stated, this is the 

 most extraordinary instance of refraction upon 

 record. At Melville Island, in latitude 75° 48' 

 N., only twelve miles to the southward of Ba- 

 rentz' station, the sun set on the 4th November, 

 and reappeared on the 9th February, sixteen 

 days after it was first seen by De Veer. 



As the daylight increased such of the party 

 as were able ventured out, whenever the weather 

 would permit, to stretch their limbs, after their 

 long and painful confinement, and occasionally 

 to collect wood for the consumption of the 

 house. This last mentioned occupation was any- 

 thing but a recreation, as the snow was very 

 deep, and the strength of the people was so 

 reduced, that it was with the utmost difficulty 

 they could drag the fuel to the house. The 

 number of working hands was also greatly 

 diminished by sickness, and by the severe effects 

 of the frost, one man having had his great toe 

 frozen off; they had, however, as yet lost but 

 two of their companions by death. Upon all 

 their excursions they were now again obliged 

 to go well armed, on account of the bears, 

 which, since the return of the daylight, had re- 

 newed their visits, and appear to have become 



