GLACIAL FRINGE OF GRANT LAND 213 



When we took a step without snowshoes we would 

 go in to mid-thigh or even hip. 



Fortunately the dogs feel the effects of the rest 

 and generous fare on Jesup Land, and we made prac- 

 tically the same time as in going over, 



Of course our feet and legs were soaked in the ice- 

 water from the very start, crossing the morasses from 

 one piece of decent going to another. 



At noon we reached the edge of the ice-foot on this 

 side, and found it a broad river, which we had to ford 

 to get to the site of our camp. 



We have crossed without any time to spare. In one 

 or two days at most, the channel will be impassable 

 for two or three weeks (depending upon local con- 

 ditions) until the snow has all melted and the water 

 drained off. 



On this side the change has been very pronounced 

 since we left. 



Where there was just enough bare gravel for us 

 to set the tent a few days ago, are now acres of snow- 

 free ground. 



Looking over this region I am struck with the 

 pronounced igneous or even volcanic character of 

 the rock specimens, something very much like 

 pumice and slag being abundant. Is it possible 

 that the twin snow-mountains back of us are extinct 

 volcanoes ? 



The march from Southwest camp to Observation 

 Camp was the hardest and most disagreeable of all, 

 and the thirty-six hours the most uncomfortable of 

 the entire trip. 



