POLAR-ICE. — DRIFTING. 287 



are not unfrequently impelled towards each other 

 by winds, acting upon each from opposite quar- 

 ters. 



Though the set of the current in the Greenland 

 Sea be generally towards the south-west, yet near 

 the shore, where there are eddies and tides, it is 

 very irregular. This irregularity produces striking 

 effects upon the ice. Near Hackluyt's Headland, 

 and, indeed, at the distance of ten to twenty leagues 

 from it, in and about the same parallel, the influ- 

 ence of a tide or irregular current is observed. This 

 occasions ripplings in the water, and periodical 

 closings and openings of the ice. At the borders 

 of fields connected with the main body of ice, a 

 striking movement in the drift-ice may be often ob- 

 served ; the loose ice adhering closely to the edge 

 of the adjoining fields for a few hours, then moving 

 off in a body for a short period, and alternately ad- 

 vancing and retreating at regular intervals. 



Fields are liable also to be put in motion, by the 

 force with which drift-ice occasionally presses against 

 ,them. Thus, a body of loose ice drifting against 

 and grazing along the side of a field in its course to 

 leeward, becomes deflected, and its re-action causes 

 a circular motion of the field. 



4. The amazing changes which take place in the 

 most compact ice, are often unaccountable. They 

 astonish even those who are accustomed to their oc- 

 currence. Thus, ships immoveably fixed with regard 



