i2 4 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



short account of the movements and prospects of the 

 expedition up to that time. 



Nares formed the opinion that " Hartstene Bay is the 

 best winter-station on the North Greenland coast ; its 

 shores are washed by a warm current coming from the 

 southward, whilst the projecting promontories of Cape 

 Hatherton and Cape Ohlsen deflect the Polar current to 

 the other side of the Sound. Owing; to the narrowing; of 

 the channel at the entrance of Smith Sound the velocity 

 of the tidal currents is greatly augmented, and even in 

 winter large water-spaces are kept open. The moisture 

 and warmth imparted to the atmosphere by the un- 

 covered water moderates the climate in its vicinity to 

 some extent, and consequently we find in the neighbour- 

 hood of Hartstene Bay a land comparatively well vegetated 

 and a great abundance of animal-life. As Port Foulke 

 can be visited yearly from the southward in all but very 

 exceptional seasons, it can be recommended as an im- 

 portant base if further explorations by Smith Sound are 

 hereafter undertaken.' 11 



On 29th July the two ships crossed Smith Sound, 

 steering direct for Cape Isabella. The snow-clad coast 

 of Ellesmere Land was very clearly defined, the black 

 headlands, separated by glacier-filled valleys, standing out 

 prominently from the white background. 



A cairn was erected on the outer spur of Cape Isabella, 

 700 feet above the water-line ; a cask for letters and a 

 few cases of preserved meat being hidden away on a lower 

 point, about 300 feet high, magnetic west of the cairn. 



Proceeding northward, shelter had to be taken in a 

 harbour, named after Payer, beside Brevoort Island. 

 Nares mentions this as a most, convenient waiting-place 

 for vessels attempting to proceed northward by Smith 

 Sound. A depot of 240 rations was placed on the 

 peninsula that forms the southern protection of the 



