GREELY'S EXPEDITION (1881) 177 



found to be the best vegetable, and apples and peaches 

 were considered the best fruits. One ounce of liinejuice 

 was issued to each man daily. 



Even after the disappearance of the sun, it was decided 

 to continue sledging work. On 23rd October, Lockwood 

 and three men were sent to Depot " B," at Cape Beeehy, 

 to construct a large commodious snow-house for the use 

 of the sledge-parties. About 4 cwt. of coal from Water- 

 course Mine was taken as fuel to be used in a small stove. 

 At Depot "A,' 1 at Cape Murchison, about 3000 lb. of 

 coal, also from the mine, was accumulated. 



On 3rd November, Lockwood with seven men left the 

 station to attempt to cross Robeson Channel from Cape 

 Beeehy. Next day Dr. Pavy, Lieutenant Kislingbury, 

 Sergeant Rice, and Eskimo Jens, with two dog-sledges, 

 left to add stores to the depot in Wrangel Bay. This 

 latter party succeeded in adding a small quantity of 

 stores to the depot, but Lockwood was unsuccessful in his 

 attempt to cross Robeson Channel, owing to the open 

 condition of the straits. 



The results of these winter journeys satisfied Greely 

 that it was not advisable to send sledge-parties to any 

 considerable distance after the sun has left or before its 

 return. The sun was last seen at the station on 14th 

 October, and again reappeared on 28th February, 137 

 days later. Very dark nights were, however, uncommon, 

 and except on a few cloudy and stormy days they were 

 never prevented by darkness from taking their regular 

 exercise. 



During October a wall of ice, 6 feet high, was con- 

 structed some 3 feet from the house, and was rendered 

 windproof by a coating of wet snow. The space between 

 the house and the wall was later filled in with loose, dry 

 snow, which formed an excellent protection. 



As regards clothing, Greely came to the conclusion 

 12 



