TO THE ARCTIC REGIONS. 156 
that we can as yet procure; but if there was any 
object in repeating the experiment, I have no doubt 
but we shall soon be able to get heavier ice; for 
that formed on the channel round the ship since 
Saturday, none being cut yesterday on account 
of its being Sunday, was found to-day to be eight 
inches thick. 
Wednesday, 17th. — Nothing of any importance 
occurred for this week past, except that the wea- 
ther has been getting gradually colder : yesterday 
it was as low as 42° below zero, consequently our 
mercurial thermometers are now of no use. The 
severity of the weather, however, does not con- 
fine the wolves to their dens, for their tracks are 
observed every day, at no great distance from the 
ships; and one of them was bold enough to-day 
to chace one of our dogs very close to us, or 
rather he followed the dog until that animal took 
refuge under the protection of the persons with 
whom he was walking at the time. The wolf, on 
this occasion, betrayed a considerable degree of 
cunning, in order to circumvent his intended prey, 
for he never moved whilst the dog was running to- 
wards him ; but immediately on observing that the 
dog would not approach any nearer, he made to- 
wards him at full speed; and probably, had he 
had a great way to run, he would have overtaken 
him. At the same time that the wolf in question 
was chasing the dog, another animal of the same 
kind was heard howling at a short distance off, but 
the twilight at the time was so faint. that he could 
not be seen. In the evening one of them came 
within seventy or eighty yards of the ship, and 
