158 VOYAGE TO THE POLAR SEA. August 



obtained some samples from different depths. The 

 following results of his observations denote that with 

 the increase in temperature of the water below thirty 

 fathoms the density also increases to above that of the 

 Polar water, which numerous observations made 

 during the winter showed to be 1-02245. Hence we 

 may conclude that the bottom water is derived from the 

 Atlantic Ocean. 



Shortly after we reached Prince Imperial Island, 

 a northerly wind cleared away the mist from the hills 

 and lowered the temperature to 30°. 



The recent snow-fall, which measured about five 

 inches, had changed the whole aspect of the land and 

 re-clothed the richly tinted stratified mountains with 

 their winter's garb, from which they had only been free 

 for a short seven weeks. 



After this date the snow only melted slightly in 

 the low-lying valleys, and the young ice formed con- 

 tinually on any quiet water. 



The sportsmen shot six hares, a dozen ptarmigan, 

 and a raven. 



The 30th was a beautifully clear day with a tem- 

 perature of 30°, falling in the evening to 20°. During 

 the forenoon Commander Markham and I landed on 



