SALT MAESHES 



times all is smooth and white except on the 

 borders of the creeks, which mark their tor- 

 tuous courses by eruptive blocks of ice, so 

 dark in the shadows that they stand out black 

 and distinct. The smaller creeks are arched 

 with ice, and the water comes and goes in 

 concealed channels, but the main creeks and 

 large estuaries are generally partly open and 

 show patches of dark blue in contrast with 

 the universal whiteness. In the times of the 

 month when the moon and the sun pull to- 

 gether, or when the normal level of the tide 

 is disturbed by fierce northeasters, the water- 

 ways burst their bonds with force irresistible, 

 carrying all before them, and great ice cakes 

 are tossed and piled about on the broad 

 marshes. Between the stranded floes the 

 poured-out tide freezes fast to the stubble, 

 and each returning tide adds to the icy coat- 

 ing. The water flowing over the ice and col- 

 lecting in pools assumes a pale green color 

 that contrasts strongly with the surrounding 

 whiteness. 



In the sunlight the white salt ice sparkles 

 and glitters with dazzling splendor, but the 

 full arctic glory of the scene is brought out 

 to best advantage in the still cold nights when 



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