388 THE GEltMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITJON. 



retain their leaves in winter, wliicli, although of a dark 

 greenish-brown, are still fresh. The carpenter made a 

 pedestal, on which stood a three-feet stem, with the chief 

 branches representing a fir-tree. These were covered 

 with the shoots of the Andromeda, and smaller sticks 

 were fastened on to resemble the natural branches. In 

 this way we obtained a " fir-tree " far surpassing our 

 expectations. The overhanging slope of Germaniaberg 

 was one of the few spots where the plant grew plenti- 

 fully ; our botanist knew how to find the spot under the 

 snow, and in the dark noontide hour the plants were 

 raked up and brought home triumphantly. 



The after-cabin was warmed, and here the fir-tree 

 was put together. The men persevered with the work, 

 and there was not one among them but put some finishing 

 touches to it ; small wax-lights and golden-nuts were not 

 wanting. We sat in the small room by a dimly-burning 

 lamp ; cheerful conversation went round, and pleasanter 

 Christmas enjoyment than we had could not well be found. 

 At four o'clock every one was to leave the cabin. The 

 walls were decorated with flags, near the sofa the finest 

 foxes' skins were hung up, and the table by the help of 

 some chests lengthened as far as the mast. By six all 

 was ready. The ship's bell gave the summons; under 

 the ventilator was a small coloured transparency, and 

 from the forecastle a Christmas hymn rose. Then all 

 entered the cabin and ranged themselves round the table. 



German Christmas in East Greenland ice ! There stood 

 the powerful forms of big " children," serious but 

 cheerful, and the finest Christmas-tree rose on deck, 

 glittering witii lights and gold and silver ; and on the 

 fresh white table-cloth lay the plates with the gifts upon 



