HUDSON'S BAY. 119 



compasses having all again become restless. *^' 

 This agitation having frequently been observed P*' 

 on other nights, between the hours of nine and 

 eleven^ had always been the cause of great anx- 

 iety to me, while endeavouring to steer a course 

 after dark, unless the moon or stars were clearly 

 visible ; and it is well worthy of consideration, 

 whether this wildness of motion in the com- 

 passes is at all caused by the absence of the sun, 

 or is in any way occasioned by the 'presence of 

 the Aurora, which phenomenon was rarely seen 

 earlier than nine P.M., and the time when it was 

 most vivid was generally at about ten. At this 

 hour, on one occasion, Mr. Kendall observed, 

 that during the prevalence of an unusually 

 brilliant Aurora, the larboard binnacle compass 

 would remain stationary at no particular point, 

 while the starboard one, by a bearing of the 

 Pole-star, had lessened its accustomed error 

 two points. By a bearing of the sun on the 

 following morning, it was found to have re- 

 assumed its original position. 



At daylight on the 19th all sail was made to 

 the north-east, (compass) expecting that the 

 magnetic error of the preceding day would still 

 be applicable, v*nd that we should make an 

 east course ; but a glimpse of the sun at eight 

 A.M., saved us from much danger, by shewing 



