304 ON ATMOSPHERIC REFLECTIONS AND REFRACTIONS 



tempt, I found I could not succeed with any degree of accura-> 

 cy, since the outline changed as fast as I proceeded. The odd 

 form of many of the hills, induced me to examine the land with 

 a telescope from the mast-head, on which, finding it much dis- 

 figured by refraction, I contented myself with sketching a few 

 of the most remarkable objects. These, accurately designed, 

 yet disposed without regard to their proper order, or the mo- 

 ment of time when seen, are represented in the sketch, 

 No. II. They afford a tolerable idea of the nature of the 

 scenery then within view. The land, at this time in sight, ex- 

 tended from W. to NNW. {jier compass) ; the nearest part 

 at WNW, being about 35 miles distant. It seemed to be a 

 barren and lofty country, abounding in mountainous ridges 

 and peaks. There was much less snow on it than we usually 

 find on Spitzbergen at this season : but in other respects it very 

 much resembles that inhospitable country. 



The general telescopic appearance of the coast was that of 

 an extensive ancient city, abounding with the ruins of castles, 

 obelisks, churches, and monuments, with other large and con- 

 spicuous buildings. Some of the htlls seemed to be surmount- 

 ed by turrets, battlements, spires, and pinnacles ; while others, 

 subjected to one or two reflections, exhibited large masses of 

 rock, apparently suspended in the air, at a considerable eleva- 

 tion above the actual termination of the mountains to which 

 i^ey referred. The whole exhibition was a grand and interest- 

 ing phantasmagoria. Scarcely was any particular portion 

 sketched before it changed its appearance, and assumed the 

 form of an object totally difierent. It was perhaps alternately 

 a castle, a cathedral, or an obelisk ; then expanding horizon- 

 tally, and coalescing with the adjoining hills, united the inter- 

 mediate valleys, though some miles in width, by a bridge of a 



single 



