162 THE GERMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



strength is diminishing. When will open water, either 

 to sail or row in, appear before us ? Shall we even now, 

 after so many dangers and difficulties overcome, be 

 destined to a miserable end ? Before yesterday the ice 

 pushed and got into motion, probably on account of the 

 spring-tide and the storm, but it packed itself closer than 

 ever, and did not open again. It is to be hoped we shall 

 soon have better weather. We have moved somewhat 

 nearer the island, whether to our advantage or not we 

 do not know. 



At length, on the 4th of June, we succeeded in landing 

 on Illuidlek. This day we dragged the boats 2000 paces 

 in thirteen hours, and at eight p.m. we were able to 

 launch them. 



