174 OLD WHALING DAYS. 



reserve. The capture of this bear shewed the superiority of 

 the breech-loader, and that our Minnie rifles were too 

 heavy for such work. We were considered good marksmen, 

 and in our leisure time practised at targets. The use 

 of the rifle is most essential in this country, for none 

 know what moment they may be called on to use their 

 skill. 



We had not seen any ships since our arrival ; in fact 

 none but a steamer could have made her way through 

 the intricate passages and amongst such heavy ice. 

 We seldom had our sails set, and were obliged to steam 

 very slowly through it. Although our captain was a 

 thoroughly experienced man, he could not account for 

 the non-appearance of whales. At times we went to the 

 outside in search of them. Very large ones have been 

 caught in the open water in these latitudes. We cruised 

 about for several days without success, and then steamed 

 among the ice off Cape Broer Ruys, but did not see any- 

 thing alive there except bears. 



The days were shortening, which obliged us to find a 

 secure place for the ship at night, and if no large holes of 

 water were found, we made fast to a sconce. One calm clear 

 night, when the harvest moon shone upon the great icefields, 

 the scenery was grand in the extreme. Everything being 

 so peaceful and still, all nature appeared at rest. This was a 

 time for serious reflection and study, nothing could be 

 more sublime. Words fail to express the solemnity of 

 the scene. In our busy life we have seldom time to 

 admire such a sight as this, as our thoughts are otherwise 

 occupied. 



The time was drawing on when we might expect a 

 change in the weather. We were about sixty miles from 

 the outside, and still nothing to be seen to make the 

 voyage a payable one. It was considered a waste of time 

 to remain any longer, so we steamed clear of the ice, and 



