FAST IN THE ICE. 157 



be from sixty to one hundred miles distant. By 4.30 

 the atmospheric refraction was very considerable, and 

 it lifted into view a high mountain, saddle peaked, and 

 bearing S. 24° W. (true). Along the horizon was a 

 layer of clouds 1° in elevation, above which the sad- 

 dle peaks showed clearly. 



At seven p. M., with the thermometer at eleven de- 

 grees below, our liquid steering compasses froze, and 

 we removed them to the cabin, placing a boat compass 

 in the deck house to keep a record by. The effect of 

 this cold snap is to close up water spaces like magic. 

 While out with the dogs this afternoon where had 

 been open water, I could almost see it freeze harder 

 and harder. Temperature, minus 8°. 



October 22c?, Wednesday. — Chipp and myself are 

 beginning to experience the effect of cold in our rooms, 

 everything kept hanging against the ship's side and 

 forward bulkhead freezing fast to them. 



Odoher 23f?, Thursday. — Yvom 8.30 to 9.30 p.m. 

 had our first experience of paraselene, — three mock 

 moons at right angles to the real moon (owing to the 

 moon's low altitude the fourth or lower mock could 

 not be seen). Around the real moon was also a hazy 

 arch. 



Odoher 24:th, Friday. — To save the men's hands 

 while hauling in the lead-line, we rigged to-day two 

 standards alongside the fire-hole to support a reel, and 

 fitted the reel with two wooden handles. 



Odoher 2bth, Saturday. — To-day served out fur 

 clothing to the crew, and got on deck two stoves ready 

 for putting in deck house. Our steward, Charles Tong 

 Sing, is sick since last evening with nausea. I hope and 

 think it is a slight indisposition merely. He is invalua- 

 ble, and does more work than would tire two men. 



