OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. 



157 



explained, the lilac tint was quite vivid ; in general, its colour was yellowish. '^2^' 

 Stars of the second magnitude were almost obscured by it. 



Towards the end of January, this phenomenon appeared frequently in the 

 S.E. and E.S.E., but it was generally faint, and unmarked by any peculiarity 

 requiring farther notice. The electrometer Avas frequently applied to the 

 mast-head chain, and the magnetic needle constantly watched during all 

 these appearances, but neither of these was on any one occasion sensibly 

 affected. The only other meteorological phenomena that need be notic<>d 

 about this period were one or two instance^; of parhelia and paraselena*, 

 sometimes tinged with the prismatic tints, and sometimes colourless, but 

 always situated at the angular distance of about 22j° on each side of the sua 

 and moon, and usually upon halos, more or less distinct and perfect. 



A sheet of young ice was several times formed and dislodged by the tides 

 within the points of our bay but ; the water continued open to the south-east- 

 ward with every northerly or westerly wind, and numerous dovekies were 

 swimming about near the shore : neither did the land animals altogether 

 desert us, a few foxes being still occasionally caught in traps, and one or two 

 hares killed while literally feeding alongside the ships on our rubbish heaps. 



The following temperatures of animals just after death were principally 

 taken by Captain Lyon, to whom I am indebted for them : — 



