162 A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY 
than 20° below zero. What little wind we have 
had has been generally from the northward; but 
I do not mean to imply from this, that it~ has 
been more so this month than the last; on the 
contrary, I believe the reverse would be nearer 
the truth, for it was almost invariably from the 
northward during the month of November. I 
omitted to mention, at the time it happened, 
a few nights ago, that the fox caught by the Griper 
has made his escape, owing to the getting loose 
of the chain with which he was made fast. He 
was seen next morning close to the ships, and the 
mark of the chain has been noticed on the snow, 
at no great distance off, several times since; but I 
think it is probable, unless he is again entrapped, 
that he will soon fall a prey to the wolves, as 
he must be so much encumbered with the links he 
has carried off with him, that he will not be able 
to escape from them should he be pursued, and 
they must also be a great hindrance to him in 
the way of procuring his food. * 
At the time he was caught, I said very little 
respecting him, beyond a few words, stating his 
size, and general appearance; being then in 
hopes that I should, as I remarked at the time, 
be able to give a better description of him at 
some future period, when his habits, &c. were 
* We have reason to suppose that mice constitute the 
principal part of their food, for we have seen several of these 
animals during the winter, and their tracks are very numerous 
onthe snow. They are perfectly white, and are rather larger 
than the common mice. Their shape indeed is quite different, for 
they are short, thick, and flattish, and their tail is not above 
half an inch in length. 
