A "Strong-ale Wind." 107 



whalers call a " strong-ale wind/' as, during the 

 time it blows from that quarter, ships are more 

 liable to get "nipped," and therefore destroyed. 

 The reason it is so called is, that directly the captain 

 has announced his intention of abandoning the ship, 

 the crew rush aft, provided there is time, possessing 

 themselves of anything that may please their fancy, 

 and, sailor-like, immediately broach the ale and 

 spirit casks, unless the captain has wisely beforehand 

 spilled the liquor by staving the casks. This eager 

 thirst for strong drink has often perilled the life of 

 a good and brave seaman. 



Several times during the day did we push up a 

 likely-looking " lead," seeing a "splendid and encou- 

 raging water sky 1 in the distance ; but as often had 

 we to turn back, and quickly get clear of the ice to 

 avoid a " nip," the floes being in such rapid motion. 



From the nest a stream of water would be seen, 

 which in less than fifteen minutes, a less time than 

 we could possibly steam through it in, would be 

 completely and hopelessly closed. To add to our 

 difficulties, the weather became very thick, snow 

 falling heavily, and this necessitated an immediate 



1 By a " water sky " is meant a peculiar bluish colour in 

 the sky, which always denotes the presence of water. On 

 some occasions it is seen over the ice at a distance of many 

 miles, and is a sure sign of open water. 



So also the " ice blink," or a whitish colour in the sky, is a 

 certain sign of ice. 



