178 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



that for ordinary use first-class woollen under-garments, 

 with heavy woollen clothing, are all that is essential in 

 Arctic service. 



In December a number of men gave indications of 

 being mentally affected by the continual darkness. The 

 Eskimo were extremely depressed, and on the 13th, Jens 

 Edward disappeared without eating his breakfast, or even 

 taking his seal-skin mittens. A search was made, and he 

 was discovered near Cape Murchison, travelling rapidly 

 northward. He returned to the station without objection, 

 and in time recovered his spirits. 



The lowest temperature during the winter occurred on 

 3rd February 1882. The minimum was — 62*2°, the maxi- 

 mum — 44 T° F. The protective influence of a snow-hut 

 was shown by the fact that after a mean temperature 

 below —50° for five consecutive days, the thermometer 

 inside read — 17°. Even in these extremely low tempera- 

 tures some hunting was done. On 16th February the 

 mercurial thermometers thawed out, after having been 

 frozen for sixteen days. 



Preparations for spring sledging were actively com- 

 menced early in February. The saddler, the tinman, the 

 carpenters and others were kept busy with sledges, boat, 

 cooking-lamps, sleeping-bags, foot-gear, etc. 



Of twenty-seven dogs purchased in Greenland only 

 twelve were living at the end of 1881. In addition to 

 these twelve there were three private dogs. This allowed 

 two teams. As regards sledges, Greely decided to use the 

 Hudson Bay pattern for the supporting sledges on the 

 North Greenland coast. This form of sledge is suitable for 

 the deep snow experienced by Lieutenant Beaumont. Light 

 strips of ash were fastened to the bottom on each side to 

 serve as runners, and it was found necessary to shod these 

 with steel. Greely afterwards recommended future ex- 

 plorers to use Hunt's pattern of the St. Michael's sledge, 



