( 441 ) 



ICEBEEGS, lOE ISLANDS, AND DKIFT ICE IN THE AECTIC 



CUERENT. 



(444.) Although we have already noticed, in the previous pages, the 

 annual floats of Ice which descend from the Northern regions, it may not 

 be inapposite to recall to the seaman's mind the necessity of guarding 

 against these tremendous and dangerous objects — more dangerous than 

 permanent rocks, because unfixed, and more dreadful, because frequently 

 obscured in snow and fog. 



The Ice which is thus met with is of two descriptions ; that which is 

 formed on the surface of the sea during the Polar winter — the Field and 

 Floe Ice ; and that which is formed in the course probably of many years 

 upon land, and is periodically launched into the sea in the form of 

 gigantic Bergs of enormous height and dimensions. 



Many observers have in recent years added to our knowledge of this 

 subject, and the following condensed account is the result of a perusal of 

 their experiences.* As with the Winds and Currents, so with the Ice ; no 

 exact limits can be given for its occurrence, as these vary from year to 

 year according to the season. 



(445.) Field Ice. — A few words only are necessary with regard to this 

 form of Ice, as its production and presence in the regions under considera- 

 tion is very readily comprehended. It is usually formed near the shore, 

 and on breaking adrift, its motion, more affected by wind than current, 

 causes it to raft and pile until its surface becomes very irregular. It 

 sometimes encloses deeply immersed fragments of Bergs, known as 

 " growlers," which may be recognised by their dark blue colour, and must 

 be carefully avoided by vessels making their way through loose ice. Being 

 less easily seen than Bergs, it may be said to be more formidable to fast 

 vessels. The great danger to vessels attempting to pass through loose Ice, 

 unless specially strengthened, is that a gale may suddenly arise before the 

 vessel can get clear of it, and iron plates easily crack on coming in con- 

 tact with the heavy pieces. If a ship get fast in the Ice, no time should 

 be lost in provisioning and getting out the boats, in case the vessel be 

 suddenly crushed. 



The drift of Field Ice is chiefly determined by the wind, which some- 

 times causes it to appear ot disappear with astonishing rapidity, especially 

 near the land. 



On February 12th, 1890, the steamer Texas passed a Field about 50 

 miles long, in lat. 44° N., long. 49° 25' W. On the 17th, the barque 

 Meteor was hemmed in for 9 days among an immense Field South of Cape 



* Much information has been gained from the "Pilot Chart of the North Atlantic 

 Ocean," published monthly by the United States Hydrographic Ofifice, on which the 

 occurrence of Ice is systematically recorded. Among other authorities we may men- 

 tion, "Information relating to Ice, &c., on the Coast of Iceland," by Lieutenant C. P. 

 Wandel, Danish Eoyal Navy, 1879; " A Report on the Movements of the Ice, &c., on 

 the Coast of Newfoundland, &c.," by Commander Geo. Robinson, R.N., 1889, with a 

 Supplement, 1891 ; and a " Report of Ice and Ice Movements iu the North Atlantic 

 Oc»>n," by Ensign H. Rodman, U.S.N., 1890. 



N. A. 0. 57 



