2-'il EXPEDIENTS IN A PREDICAMENT. 



refused to enter the icy foundation ; next, the fire- 

 wood being wet and rotten, vvoukl not be persuaded 

 to burn for a long time ; and lastly, our very scanty 

 wardrobes being as well soaked as the clothes we had 

 on, requii'ed a little draining before we could enjoy 

 the luxury of a change. Next day all our attention 

 was required in repairing, as far as possible, the 

 evils of the preceding. Nearly all our biscuit was in 

 a pap-like state of saturation, and we constructed a 

 rude oven with anchors, rods, and plates of tin from 

 the preserved potato-cases, in which to dry it ; but 

 this expedient was only very partially successful ; the 

 effects of the salt water were not easily removed ; 

 and our bakery, it must be confessed, was not of the 

 most artistic description. Our camp presented a 

 strange spectacle : the tents all askew, near them 

 a large pile of rotten wood, intended for a fire, but 

 boasting more of pungent smoke ; on one side the 

 primitive oven ; around, preserved meat-tins, piled 

 like shot ; casks, oars, masts, and other gear ; and 

 suspended upon lines, dripping habiliments waved in 

 the breeze. Crowning all, were the fantastic garbs 

 of the party ; some had donned Esquimaux frocks, 

 breeches or caps ; the rest of their dress being of 

 a more civilised cast ; others, with some misappro- 

 j)riated garment thrown loosely over them, were 



