30 THE GERMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



time would not miss this enjoyment, could at least fall 

 back upon a ' deck cigar.' " 



In the first part of the time the want of longer walks 

 was much felt, particularly in a rough sea, when it was 

 impossible even to walk up and down. For this reason 

 we often helped to furl the sails, or take the helm for an 

 hour. Dr. Pansch even took part in the watches for a 

 certain time, partly for amusement and the interest he 

 took in sea life, which he had learnt in his native sea-port 

 town, and partly to become acquainted with the ship and 

 the character of the men, which, in case of accidents, might 

 be of great advantage. On the second day of our voyage 

 the sea began to make itself seriously felt. The wind 

 had veered to the north-west, and rose to a miniature 

 storm, so it was no wonder that the greater part of us 

 had to sacrifice to Neptune. The beginning of sea- 

 sickness (writes one) was decidedly partly brought on by 

 the fact that everything on board was new ; the smell of 

 paint and varnish was mixed with the vapour of woollen 

 coverings ; and this atmosphere found no vent, the door as 

 well as the skylight being kept closely shut on account of 

 the sea. And, as is often the case on board a new vessel, 

 the seams were not perfectly caulked, so that water was 

 constantly dropping into the cabin, and even into the berths 

 on the sleepers. Besides that which ran down the stairs 

 and was brought in with the clothes, a great deal collected 

 under the matting, so that we lived in a very moist and 

 vapoury atmosphere. If such inconveniences were not quite 

 agreeable to experienced seamen, upon us, some of whom 

 had come from the interior, and had never even smelt sea- 

 water, they made a very disagreeable impression. Then 

 the narrow space in which we were cramped, the very 



