1817.] reaching the North Pole from Spitzbergen. "885 
seldom happens that they are in want of fresh water, because they 
commonly pitch on those places where it is to be met with. 
19. Q.—Is not the ice so firmly consolidated as to render all 
passage across it from one island to the other perfectly safe during 
winter ? 
A.—The ice at Spitzbergen is well consolidated; and in some 
places the flakes run to a great height, one on another, which 
makes even the passage on foot very difficult ; other places are quite 
smooth, except those gulfs which run in the land to about 20 versts, 
where the ice is continually floating aud drifting ; but travelling 
with horses or rein-deer is quite impossible. 
20. Q.—Is not the ice rendered smooth by the interstices being 
filled up with snow? 
A.—As before said, the ice is made smooth by the snow filling 
up the inequalities. 
21. Q.—Does any danger arise either in crossing the land or the 
ice, from the drifting of the snow ? 
A.—They do not journey in winter, as before mentioned, except 
to islands at trifling distances; and a traveller is in much danger if 
surprised by a sudden gale of wind, accompanied by drifts of snow ; 
he is obliged to lie down, covering himself with his ——-, and 
remain so secured till the hurricane is over; but when it continues 
for any length of time, the poor wretch often perishes. 
22. O.—What degree of light is there in winter ? 
A.—The fishermen do not know what the degree of light may be 
in winter ; indeed, they are ignorant of the meaning of the term: 
however, they say from the latter end of October to the 12th of 
January the sun does not appear above the horizon, which causes a 
continual darkness, and obliges them always to keep a light in their 
huts by burning train oil in lamps; but as soon as the sun makes its 
appearance, the days increase very rapidly. 
23. Q.—What difference does the absence of the moon occasion ? 
Are the stars in general brilliant? Can you see to read when the 
moon is under the horizon ? 
A.—From the appearance of the moon in her second quarter to 
her decline in the last, the nights are very luminous, and the stars 
extraordinarily light both day and night. In the gloom of winter: 
the people keep time from the position of certain stars. When the 
moon is below the horizon, it is impossible to read. 
24, Q.—Is the Aurora Borealis very brilliant; and in what part 
of the horizon is it seen ? 
A.—In the dark time of winter the Aurora Borealis is commonly 
seen most strong in the N., and appears very red and fiery. 
25. Q.—Does it appear possible to cross the ice in winter to the 
North Pole? If it does not, what are the obstacles ? 
A.—The likelihood of a passage to the North Pole does not seem 
probable to the fishermen, as they have not had an opportunity to 
attempt it; and, from their observations, think all passage impes- 
Vor. 1X. N° V. 2B 
