THE RETURN TO COLD AND DARKNESS. 459 



cloudless day. Observations show a drift since yester- 

 day of five miles to S. 71° E. 



Yesterday I went into winter-quarters by closing the 

 door leading out of the forward part of my room, and 

 opening the one leading into the starboard chart-room. 



September 23d, Thursday. — A somewhat agreeable 

 change from the low temperature of yesterday, maxi- 

 mum 26°, minimum 14° ; and although not up to fever 

 heat by any means, still it is acceptable, as giving a 

 little variety. A very few lines will serve to record 

 the events of to-day. By observations we have drifted 

 since yesterday two and one quarter miles to N. 23° W. 



September 2ith, Friday. — 9.45 a. m. the ice opened 

 at the old place about a half mile astern of the ship, 

 the lead extending a short distance northeast and south- 

 west. We got a seal by this occurrence, a much de- 

 sired addition, for our stock is running low. Mr. 

 Dunbar also saw a walrus, but too far off for a shot. 



It is well worthy of mention that during the whole 

 summer (and spring, too) in all the leads, openings, etc., 

 we have seen no white whales. Last fall, after becom- 

 ing beset, whenever we made excursions to the few 

 lanes in our neighborhood, it was not uncommon to see 

 a white whale blow ; and Mr. Dunbar, whose experi- 

 ence makes him an authority, argues from that fact 

 that now we are far removed from the open sea. Wal- 

 ruses and seals will go readily into a pack, and dive if 

 necessary, swimming a distance under ice from hole to 

 hole should there be no surface connection ; but the 

 white whale, unless chased, will not go so far into the 

 pack as to jeopardize his easy return to the open water. 



September 2Qth, Sunday. — One more week come 

 and gone, and here we are yet ! The usual Sunday in- 

 spection is made, and I am much pleased to find that 



