IV. 



THE LAST TWO SUMMERS IN THE ICE. 



NORTH-EAST OF FRANZ JOSEF LAND, 1896; 



NORTH OF SPITSBERGEN, 1896. 



Plectrophenax nivalis, (Lin.) 1766. 



During the summer of 1895, north-east of Franz Josef Land, the 'Fram' 

 was visited by snow-buntings only four times. 



The first appeared on May 22nd. It fluttered around the ship, twittering, 

 for some time, and then flew off towards the north (84 40' N. Lat). 



On June 10th, two more appeared near the ship, and on the day fol- 

 lowing, one. On June 19th, one more was seen, but after that, no others 

 were seen that year. The most northerly specimen was the one observed on 

 June llth (84 45' N. Lat., 83 5' E. Long.). 



In the summer of 1896, when the ship was north of Spitsbergen, the first 

 bird of the year, a snow-bunting, was seen on April 25th. It settled upon 

 the deck, was fed with meal, and became quite tame. It remained there a 

 few days, disappearing on April 28th (84 IT N. Lat.). 



On May 3rd, another of these birds settled near the ship. On the 6th, 

 two came; but the dogs would not leave them alone, and they soon took 

 their departure. 



On May 25th, three made their appearance at one time. These three 

 remained near the ship until far on into June, finding their food in the refuse- 

 heaps. They were also often seen by the water-hole, where they appeared to 

 be looking for crustaceans. 



