VOYAGE OF THE ‘ECLIPSE.’ 58 
such a coarse appearance. ‘‘ Greasy water” is caused either by 
the Whales themselves, by Narwhals, or by the presence of small 
Crustacea in the water. ‘In fine weather, when the sea is 
smooth, a person looking over the ship’s side as she is either 
sailing slowly along, or lying still upon the water, will have his 
attention attracted by the frequent appearance of particles of oil 
rising to the surface, spreading out and displaying the usual 
prismatic colours. This phenomenon is caused by the presence 
of the various organisms which constitute ‘ whales’ food,’ and to 
it is due the vast sheets of oil which sometimes cover the sea 
for many miles, evidence of the extraordinary richness in animal 
life of some parts of the Greenland seas.”’—R. G. 
24th to 30th. Weather calm and fine; winds variable; tem- 
perature of air from 29° to 36°, sea 82° to 34°. Many Bears 
seen, some killed. Narwhals also numerous, one killed by the 
‘Erik’ had both tusks developed ; large “ Finners” (B. Sibbaldii) 
frequently seen. Hooded Seals frequent, and every piece of ice 
covered with “‘ Floe-rats” (P. hispida). The 29th was “a most 
beautiful morning, not a breath of wind ruffled the mirror-like 
surface of the water. Numbers of Narwhals and ‘Floe-rats’ 
played about, and sometimes one of the great ‘Finners’ would 
come suddenly along, rise once or twice to the surface, and 
continuing his course soon be lost to view. A great many birds— 
Looms, Rotches, Dovekies, Snow-birds, Burgomasters, Kittiwakes, 
and Mallymauks—flying hither and thither, some alighting on 
the ice, others diving for food. Now and again a prowling Bear 
would be noticed coming along, either stalking about in an aim- 
less manner or watching a Seal. On the 30th many ‘ Finners,’ 
Narwhals, and a Greenlaud Shark were seen.” 
July. All the month spent cruising in search of Whales. 
Prevailing winds from the eastWard ; average temperature of the 
air 33°, sea 34°; much fog. East coast of Greenland occasionally 
in sight. Birds numerous, also Hooded Seals, Floe-rats, Fin- 
ners, and Narwhals; the latter were observed accompanied by 
young ones. 
August Ist. Light N.E. wind and fog. When clear coast 
showing high and bold from Shannon Island southward. With 
the exception of a few Ground Seals, Phoca barbata, the sea 
containing remarkably little life. Very few birds seen either 
this day or on the 2nd in 78° 38’ N., 17° 46’ W., when 
