130 Polar Explorations. 
ing, writing and arithmetic, and theatrical amusements to 
cheer their spirits. 
The methods adopted for warming and ventilating the 
dutta ears bis. the rein deer took their jenn over 
the ice for the caatinietit of America, the birds had long since 
ships anssrruted the view of an endless ia of snow. The 
cold was severe, and in storms it was impossible to pass 
even from one ship to the other. The shale was a scene of 
indescribable sublimity and grandeur. The darkness and 
silence, and cold brooding over creation were apt simili- 
tudes of that primeval state, when the Almighty said “ Let 
sh ue light.” 
t. Parry and his associates were in a Situation to se 
sits ate it with awe and admiration. But to Capt. Fran 
the season was arrayed in tenfold terrors. No sublime Ain: 
tions consoled him and his officers. Their people lying 
ead of famine around them ; themselves reduced by fatigue, 
and cold, and want, to skeletons ; dizzy and weak ; sleeping 
on the ground without shelter ; without food or fire, and the 
snow drifting over them: to them the darkness and desola- 
tion of the scene were aes with revolting horrors. 
Capt. Franklin left England accompanied by three eet 
ae North West companies, to furnish him with Pont 
: men, canoes, provisions, stores, and every facility for 
whieh he should make a requisition. The party traversed 
