130 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANNETTE. 



three and a half miles, all hands jubilant and happy as 

 after a victory. This is a long article about two small 

 bears, but they were our first, and our enthusiasm is 

 pardonable. 



Danenhower had excellent chances to get observa- 

 tions to-day, and he establishes our position to be lat. 

 71° 50' N., long. 175° 25' W., and our drift in the last 

 two days seven miles to N. E. by E. and a quarter E. 

 Soundings at noon in thirty -five and three fourths 

 fathoms blue mud. At sunset the weather had an ugly, 

 threatening look. 



September 18th, Thursday. — The day opens with a 

 iresh breeze from S. E. which gathers strength, and 

 the temperature rises from 30** to 35°. The effect upon 

 the surface of the ice is to make a great deal of sludge 

 and several small pools and ponds. No perceptible 

 change in our position, but I have no doubt the ice is 

 moving to the N. W., and carrying us with it. If this 

 weather continues there may come a liberation. for us, 

 " a consummation devoutly to be wished." 



The ice is proving too salty for cooking and drinking 

 purposes, and we have fallen back upon melted snow. 

 Occupied the men to-day in altering and lengthening 

 our sleeping bags, which are too short and too cramped 

 at the feet. Soundings at noon in thirty-six fathoms 

 blue mud. Bring in our bear-traps lest w^e should lose 

 them by the ice breaking up. 



Sejjtemher l*dth, Friday. — The S. E. blow of yester- 

 day continues throughout the night until noon, when 

 the wind backs to E. S. E. and moderates. The bar- 

 ometer slowly falls to 29.55 and there stops. The 

 weather all day is overcast and misty, with passing 

 showers of rain. The temperature i*emains uniformly 

 at 33° and 34°. At 8.30 a. m. Herald Island bears south 



