254 SPITSBERGEN chap, xix 



the end of August, and thereafter less rapidly to the first 

 winter minimum in December. From these observations it 

 would appear that July was the finest month, August much 

 less fine, and September still worse. Our experience during 

 the time of our visit was fully in harmony with these 

 conclusions. 



July 1896 was, on the whole, a line month. There were 

 many bad days, but there were likewise many fine ones. 

 The bad weather set in on July 28, and continued thence- 

 forward. I was destined not to see the sun from Advent 

 Point. It is unfortunate for Spitsbergen that its best harbour 

 should be so uninterestingly situated as Advent Bay is. The 

 island is rich in fine scenery, full of novelty to a traveller 

 from temperate regions, full of interest too for every student 

 of nature. But Advent Bay does not command views specially 

 remarkable or characteristic, nor is Advent Point a com- 

 fortable spot. It is exposed to every wind that blows, and 

 there is always a draught over it between the valley and the 

 fjord. The ground is damp, the near hills uninteresting, 

 whilst the way to the interior is the worst up any valley we 

 saw. The tourist who spends a single day of bad weather 

 at Advent Point sees nothing not equally visible in foggy 

 and wet hours near the mouth of the Thames. 



The moment the Lofoten came in and the sledges were 

 delivered, we began to load them up for a start. Our plan 

 was to divide into two parties. My cousin and I were to 

 go inland again with Pedersen and make our way over the 

 hills to Coles Bay, thence to Low Sound, up the valley of 

 the Shallow River, and so back by Bolter Pass. The others 

 were to take the boat and spend the time collecting fossils 

 at Green Harbour and Klaas Billen Bay, classical sites 

 where Nordenskjold and others found famous things. All 

 were to meet again at Advent Bay on the 15th and sail 

 home together. It was a good enough plan, but the pour- 



