CHAPTER IV. 



FURTHER VOYAGE OF THE HANSA UNTIL HER BLOCKADE IN THE 

 COAST ICE OF EAST GREENLAND. 20Tn JULY TO 7tH SEPT. 



Final separation of both ships. — The Germania's signal misun- 

 derstood by the Ilansa. — The Hansa photographed in the 

 ice. — Snow blindness. — Difficulties of making way through the 

 ice. — Animal life. — The rocky coast of Greenland visible for the 

 first time. — The Hansa steers once more out of the ice. — Two 

 ships in sight to seaward. — The Hansa's struggle with the ice. — 

 Fall of snow on the 3rd of August. — Southerly currents. — Second 

 attempt of the Hansa to reach Sabine Island. — The Hansa 

 sails to the north. — Countless seals. — Steer to the north-west. — 

 Circumstances particularly unfavourable to further progress. — By 

 towing the ship open water at last reached. — Hemmed in once 

 more. — Reverses, trouble, and dangers, until the blocking up of 

 the Hansa. — Changeable frame of mind on board. — Soundings. 

 — Trial with the dredge. — Journey in the boat in the direction of 

 land. — Sabine and Pendulum Islands in sight. — Meal on the ice. — 

 The Captain's birthday. — Poverty of animal life on the sea near 

 the coast. — Hunting, 



Morning of the 20tli, strong W.S.W. wind blowing. At 

 eigTit o'clock spoke tke Germania. Captain Koldewey 

 signalled to keep farther from the ice on account of bad 

 weather. We therefore steered eastward for some time, 

 but found that, instead of getting looser, the ice had 

 become more dense ; we therefore lay close hauled on the 

 port tack, and at ten o'clock were obliged to steer to 

 N.W. Meanwhile, the water improved, and after saiHng 

 through a stream of floating ice, we saw open water in a 



