300 THE GERMAN AllOTlC EXPEDITION. 



moimtain. The niglit was calm, and during it a quantity 

 of new ice formed round us ; which, however, broke up 

 under the influence of a stiff southerly breeze. We 

 availed ourselves of this breeze to return to Shannon 

 Island, as we feared being cut ofl" it by the approaching 

 pack. About half-past four p.m. we sailed round the 

 northern cape of the island, steering along the land-ice, 

 as we could not take the direct route to Cape Philip 

 Broke on account of the large fields. Towards six p.m. 

 we came upon new ice, which during the late calm had 

 formed between the fields. This we broke through 

 easily at first, but presently stood still, owing to the 

 breeze dying out. We broke through this ice, and got 

 out hawsers to tow the ship through, as at a mile to 

 the N.W. open water was in sight. The fields, how- 

 ever, united, and so piled up the ice that it became 

 impossible to advance. We had no resource left, there- 

 fore, but to get up steam, which enabled us to break 

 through. At times it was so thick that we had to charge 

 it repeatedly with full steam, in order to force a passage. 

 At length, at twelve (midnight), we anchored under 

 Cape Philip Broke. The night was calm, and the sky 

 cloudless. The temperature fell to 22° Fahr., and new 

 ice rapidly formed. Dr. Copeland, who had observed our 

 progress from land, informed us that Payer was still 

 on the southern hill some miles away from anchorage. 

 Their tents, however, had been pitched quite close to us. 

 The captain requested Dr. Copeland to hoist a flag as a 

 signal for Lieut. Payer to return on board immediately. 

 The anchorage by Cape Philip Broke appeared to be no 

 longer tenable, as large fields continued drifting towards 

 us from the east, filling up the bay between Shannon and 



