534 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANNETTE. 



goes into effect to-day. But one item needs especial 

 mention, and that is, " watch below to go hunting." 

 This, it will be observed, insures every man going on a 

 hunt once a day, and, incidentally thereto, the securing 

 of enough exercise to prepare him somewhat for possi- 

 bly greater exertions. 



April 7th, Thursday. — Seventy-two fathoms, and a 

 rapid drift N. N. E. The faster the better, for I am 

 convinced we stand a better chance of breaking out 

 of our ice-prison by getting into deep water. Having 

 finished breaking the ice out of the store-room, we now 

 turn our attention to the deck-house, from which the 

 frost deposit is scraped by bushels and carried away in 

 wheelbarrows. 



April Sth, Friday. — Seventy-five and a half fath- 

 oms; still deepening, and a slight drift S. S. E. Lati- 

 tude 75° 46', longitude 169° 57' E. A drift since the 

 5th of eight and three fourths miles to N. 18° E. At 

 six p. m. the ice commenced to open about two miles 

 west of the ship, and by nine P. M. the opening had ex- 

 tended in an irregular curve around by north to north- 

 east, and the condensation caused a thick fog. The 

 water could be plainly seen from the deck-house about 

 two miles distant, the width of the opening varying 

 from a few feet to one hundred and fifty yards. At 

 midnight, however, the opening had closed and a small 

 one had occurred to the southward. The ship received 

 several severe shocks at midnight, presumably caused 

 by the floes coming together. 



April 13lh, Wednesday. — Eighty-five and a half 

 fathoms, and a slight drift S. S. W. So we go north 

 one day, south the next, until man's patience and en- 

 durance almost give way. Is there never to be a 

 change ? Dull and gloomy weather, much fog, and 

 water-sky. 



