1876 NEWS, FROM DISCOVERY BAY. 303 



encecl yesterday from the northward, force 2, proved to 

 be a gale in the funnel-shaped Eobeson Channel, oblig- 

 ing the travellers to remain in their tents, one of the most 

 trying hardships of an Arctic journey. The party, 

 although dragging only 150 lbs. a man, had experi- 

 enced great difficulties while travelling amongst the 

 heavy hummocks. A temperature of minus 45° and 

 unaccustomed work had at first tried them severely, 

 but all are now in splendid condition, and after a short 

 rest they will have the advantage, which no former 

 Arctic sledge party has ever enjoyed, of starting on 

 a lengthened journey after ten days' real sledging 



exercise. 



8 Captain Stephenson reports that Archer and Cop- 

 pinger, with two seamen, Hans, and a sledge drawn by 

 twelve dogs pulling fifty-four lbs. each, started on 

 the 28th of March from Discovery Bay to cross Hall 

 Basin direct to Polaris Bay. A few hours after starting 

 the sledge was badly damaged amongst some ice hum- 

 mocks ; after repairing it, they came to a smoother 

 road which enabled them to cross the strait to Cape 

 Lupton without more than ordinary trouble. They 

 arrived at Hall's Eest early on the 31st, and immediately 

 held a survey of the provisions, which were found to 

 be in a serviceable condition, notwithstanding that 

 they had been exposed to the weather by the roof of 

 the observatory in which they were stored having 

 partially fallen in. 



' Lieutenant Archer reports that Captain Hall's 

 grave is in a good state of preservation. At the 

 head was a board on which was the following inscrip- 

 tion : — 



