PLATE II.-THE PACK-ICE OF ROSS SEA. 



FIG. 1 (Map A). From a photograph by R. W. SKELTON (Sk. 34, f plate), 

 Jan. 8. 1902 ; taken immediately after our passage through the belt of 

 pack-ice in Ross Sea, looking back to the North. 



FIG. 2 (Map A). From a photograph by R. W. SKELTON (Sk. 33, fplate), 

 Jan. 8, 1902 ; taken very shortly before the last, and just before reaching 

 the open water to the south of the belt of pack-ice in Ross Sea. 



These pictures show what is meant by "Water-sky" and "Ice-blink." In 

 the upper picture the outlook is across a mile or so of open water to a very 

 extensive area of ice-covered sea in the distance. From such a surface of 

 closely packed ice so much light is reflected upwards that the sky appears 

 almost white, and gives what is known as an "Ice-blink." In the lower 

 picture, although still within the ice, one may recognise the open water, which 

 is just' appearing on the horizon, by the lack of light reflected in the sky ; the 

 sky is dark, a typical "Water-sky." 



These indications may be of the greatest use in avoiding large areas of ice, 

 and in making a course for open water even before it actually comes 



in sight. 



Compare also Figures 1 and 2 of Plate III. 



