130 Polar Explorations. 



ing, writing and arithmetic, and theatrical amusements to 

 cheer their spirits. 



The methods adopted for warming and ventilating the 

 ships, the regulations relative to food, fuel, clothing and ex- 

 ercise, the rehgious order and the exact disciphne which 

 prevailed, are subjects of interest and admiration ; and the 

 details are of the highest value to succeeding adventurers. 



On the 16th of October the sun was seen for the last time 

 during four months, the rein deer took their departure over 

 tlie ice for the continent of America, the birds had long since 

 flown to other climates, the Esquimaux had retreated south, 

 and the only living things left to dispute the dominion of 

 these frigid regions, were a few white wolves and arctic foxes. 

 When the sky was clear, the glowing twilight in the edge of 

 the southern horizon at noon, with the moon light and the 

 dazzling whiteness of the snow, prevented that deep darkness, 

 during a considerable part of the winter, which would be 

 naturally anticipated. But in walking when the weather 

 would allow, the " permitted two miles, to the summit of the 

 hills," the scene was calculated to inspire involuntary sad- 

 ness. Not an object was to be seen, not a rock or a shrub, 

 not even a wolf or a fox ; nothing but the smoke from the 

 ships interrupted the view of an endless waste of snow. The 

 cold was severe, and in storms it was impossible to pass 

 even from one ship to the other. The whole was a scene of 

 indescribable sublimity and grandeur. The darkness and 

 silence, and cold brooding over creation were apt simili- 

 tudes of that primeval state, when the Almighty said '■'■ Let 

 there be light." 



Capt. Parry and his associates were in a situation to con- 

 template it with awe and admiration. But to Capt. Franklin 

 the season was arrayed in tenfold terrors. No sublime emo- 

 tions consoled him and his officers. Their people lying 

 dead of famine around them ; themselves reduced by fatigue, 

 and cold, and want, to skeletons ; dizzy and weak ; sleeping 

 on the ground without shelter ; without food or fire, and the 

 snow drifting over them : to them the darkness and desola- 

 tion of the scene were replete with revolting horrors. 



Capt. Franklin left England accompanied by three officers, 

 with instructions from the government to the Hudson's Bay 

 aiid North West companies, to furnish him with guides, 

 boatmen, canoes, provisions, stores, and every facility for 

 which he should make a requisition. The party traversed 



