'200 VOYAGE TO THE POLAR SEA. Dkcemn! 



deck. Afterwards appearing to be sickening they were 

 again taken on deck, to ascertain if they could with- 

 stand the cold weather which they would have to 

 undergo if they were to be of any use to us ; but they 

 were so sluggish in their movements and so helpless 

 that the Eskimo dogs caught two of them : the last 

 survivor was then killed and added to the larder hang- 

 ing in the mizen rigging. Capt. Stephenson succeeded 

 in keeping one alive throughout the winter. In July, 

 when the temperature was above the freezing point, it 

 was released five miles distant from the ship, but was 

 never seen again. 



These pigeons were sent on board with the belief 

 of many, that when liberated from captivity from any 

 distance they would return home ; but in reality, homing 

 pigeons, like other creatures, have to be taught what is 

 required of them. After becoming well accustomed to 

 one neighbourhood, they must first be taken a short 

 distance from home in the direction of the place whence 

 they are wanted to make their final flight. The dis- 

 tance has then to be gradually increased, until at last 

 they know the whole country above which they have 

 to return. They are of little or no use during fogs, 

 strong winds, or heavy rains. Pigeons are therefore 

 practically useless for explorers advancing over a new 

 country. 



' December 1st — Another magnificent day; calm, 

 with a bright clear sky overhead and a temperature 

 at minus 10°, which, after taking one turn along the 

 Ladies' Mile, made us so thoroughly warm that we 

 could have dispensed with our inner waistcoats. 



' The men are working outside the ship with their 





