Collisions with the Ice. 31 



had struck a mass of straggling ice, and as we 

 hastened on deck, large pieces were rising to the 

 surface on each quarter ; and we appeared, as was 

 really the case, to be surrounded by innumerable 

 masses of floating ice. Extra hands were placed on 

 the look-out, another man to the helm, whilst 

 another was stationed midway to pass the word 

 along from the captain, who was directing the mo- 

 tions of the ship from the forecastle. During the 

 remainder of the night there seemed to be a cease- 

 less repetition of the orders " hard-a-starboard," 

 " hard-a-port," or " steady as you go ; " but despite 

 the utmost vigilance on the part of those in charge 

 of the ship, the weather being very thick and misty, 

 we occasionally came into collision with a mass, 

 which would set everything on the table in motion, 

 causing the bell to toll with a doleful and melancholy 

 sound. This ice has probably been blown off from 

 Cape Farewell and the west coast of Greenland 

 during the strong easterly winds which we have 

 lately experienced. 



The morning broke fine and clear, and by seven 

 o'clock we had steamed clear of the ice and made 

 sail to a light northerly wind. 



As the men went aloft for the purpose of making 

 sail, we on deck were assailed by a perfect shower 

 of pieces of ice, which having frozen on to the 

 rigging and sails during the night, were broken off 

 and detached from their hold in consequence of 



