224 



THE SEA. 



selected. The early winter of 18589 passed away without any occurrences of great im- 

 portance, the ship being safely placed and the crew still well provisioned. One important 

 member of the expedition, Mr. Brand, the chief engineer, died of apoplexy on November 

 7th, and, in consequence, M'Clintock himself had, at a later period, not merely to navigate 

 the vessel, but to manage the engines. 



Again their Christmas was spent in the happiest manner, and, says M'Clintock, " with 

 a degree of loyalty to the good old English custom at once spirited and refreshing. All 



CAPTAIN (AFTERWARDS SIR LEOPOLD) M'CLINTOCK. 



the good things which could possibly be collected together appeared upon the snow-white 

 deal tables of the men as the officers and myself walked, by invitation, round the lower 

 deck. Venison, beer, and a fresh supply of clay pipes, appeared to be the most prized 

 luxuries; but the abundance and variety of the eatables, tastefully laid out, were such as 

 well might support the delusion which all seemed desirous of imposing upon themselves 

 that they were in a land of plenty in fact, all but at home ! We contributed a large 

 cheese and some preserves, and candles superseded the ordinary smoky lamps. With so 

 many comforts, and the existence of so much genuine good feeling, their evening was a 

 joyous one, enlivened also by songs and music." Without, the scene was widely different. 

 A fierce nor'-wester howled through the rigging, the snow-drift rustled swiftly past, no star 

 appeared through the oppressive gloom, and the thermometer varied between 76- and 80 



