3 o 4 SPITSBERGEN chap, xxii 



remains of its original casing. Like it they are ruinous, but 

 strangely symmetrical, peculiar rather than beautiful. In 

 this strange region of unusual forms they are admirably 

 placed, with splintered peaks near at hand for contrast, the 

 huge ice-rounded mass of hard red granite close by, and 

 the ice-sheet like a great marble floor below, between, and 

 beyond them. 



In the great ranges each component mountain is so 

 large that a few only can be seen at one time from near 

 at hand. From high and wide-embracing points of view 

 alone can the effect of complexity be obtained. But here, 

 where each mountain is actually small, though of noble 

 proportions, many can be seen at once from no great 

 distance ; thus each view has an involved appearance, for 

 there are always several whole ranges to look at, and not 

 merely a few mountain units. So it is at the head of Kings 

 Bay. One looks up several valleys, some of them so deeply 

 filled with ice that arms flow across from one to another, 

 actually isolating the peaks and turning them into true 

 nunataks, the only true nunataks we saw from near at 

 hand. If the glaciers were to retreat, the bay would extend 

 much farther inland, for the whole of its head is filled up 

 with ice, to what distance there is no means of judging. 



Singularly inviting as a highway was the chief glacier, 

 stretching back SE. to an apparent col, whence the great 

 glacier of the North Fjord probably takes its origin. In 

 fact, we saw no place better suited to be a centre for the 

 exploration of the ice-sheet and the mountain ranges than 

 Kings Bay. A mountaineer, with the existing facilities, 

 might be landed here with a sledge and the requisite ap- 

 pliances, and left for a month. In that time he could do 

 most valuable work, besides having delightful and novel 

 experiences. Let the Alpine Club look to it ; the novelty 

 will not last long. 



