SPITZBERGEN. EXCURSION ON SHORE. 121, 



of walking ; for in this attempt the ground gave way 

 at every step, and no progress was made : hence the 

 only method of succeeding was by the effort of leap- 

 ing or running, which, under the peculiar circum- 

 stances, could not be accomplished without excessive 

 fatigue. In the direction we travelled, we met with 

 angular fragments of limestone and quartz, chiefly 

 of one or two pounds weight, and a few naked rocks 

 protruding through the loose materials of which the 

 side of the mountain, to the extent it was visible, 

 was principally composed. These rocks appeared 

 solid at a little distance, but on examination were 

 found to be full of fractures in every direction, so 

 that it was with difficulty that a specimen of five 

 or six pounds weight, in a solid mass, could be ob- 

 tained. Along the side of the first range of hills 

 near the summit, was extended a band of ice and 

 snow, which, in the direct ascent, we tried in vain 

 to surmount. By great exertion, however, in tra- 

 cing the side of the hill for about 200 yards, where 

 it was so uncommonly steep that at every step 

 showers of stones were precipitated to the bottom, 

 we found a sort of angle of the hill free from ice, 

 by which the summit was scaled. 



Here we rested until I took a few angles and 

 bearings of the most prominent parts of the coast ; 

 when, having collected specimens of the minerals, 

 and such few plants as the barren ridge afforded, 

 we proceeded on our excursion. In our way to the 



