THE NORTH-EAST PASSAGE. 



49 



letters with natives on the homeward trip to Nijni 

 Kolymsk, to be forwarded in a similar manner. 



As far as the weather permitted the crew always 

 followed their various occupations in the open air, 

 and it was only in extremely severe weather that 

 they were allowed to work under deck. During 

 their leisure hours they had access to an exceed- 

 ingly well-supplied library; and for their profit and 

 amusement suitable lectures were given every Satur- 

 day evening during the darkest season which, 

 thanks to our scientific companions, were as inter- 

 esting as they were instructive. In addition to 

 the common rations, in regard to which the sub- 

 joined table l of dietary gives information, the crew 

 received daily during the spring months two cubic 

 inches of cranberry-preserve twice a-week, five cubic 



1 BILL OF FARE FOR THE VEGA. 



VOL. II. 



