Deep-Sea Soundings. 205 



morning, we again made fast to a large floe, and 

 filled up with water obtained from small pools on the 

 surface. With my artificial horizon I was able to 

 get sights for latitude and longitude. Last night 

 we saw the " Erik'' and " Polynia" off Pond's Inlet, 

 but the land-ice extended so far out, and the 

 middle-ice was in such close proximity, that the 

 captain would not venture on making fast for fear of 

 being beset, so we are again cruising about under 

 canvas. Whilst alongside the floe, I got a cast with 

 the deep-sea lead, but obtained no soundings in 

 200 fathoms. The temperature of the air was 41*9 ; 

 at the surface, 35'5 ; and at extreme depth, 32. In 

 the afternoon as I was talking with Dr. Bessels, all 

 my other messmates being asleep, I was told there 

 was a bear on the ice. I hurried on deck with my 

 rifle, and went away in the dingy with the doctor 

 and a couple of hands. Fearing that he might 

 escape us by running shorewards (that is, away from 

 the water), I landed on the ice and walked round 

 him. Bruin, however, for a wonder, was not of a 

 curious turn of mind, for when I had approached to 

 within 120 yards he jumped into the water. I ran 

 as hard as I could to the edge of the floe, and 

 just catching sight of him as he turned round to 

 have a look at me, sent a bullet through his head, 

 killing him on the spot. He was a fair-sized brute, 

 measuring seven feet eight inches. Ever since 

 last Sunday we have had most villainous foggy 



