Sept. 1857. PKEPAKING FOR WINTER, 49 



that the change comes too late. The western 

 limit of the bay — Cape York — is very distinct, 

 and not more than 25 miles from us. 



18^A. — Lanes of water in all directions; but 

 the nearest is half a mile from us. They come 

 too late, as do also the N.W. winds which have 

 now succeeded the fatal south-easters. The 

 temperature fell to 2° below zero last night. 

 We are now at length in the " North Water ;" 

 the old ice has spread out in all directions, so 

 that it is only the young ice — formed within the 

 last fortnight — which detains us prisoners here. 



The icebergs, the chief cause of our unfor- 

 tunate detention, and which for more than three 

 weeks were in advance of us to the westward, 

 are now, in the short space of two days, nearly 

 out of sight to the eastward. 



The preparations for wintering and sledge- 

 travelling go on with unabated alacrity ; the 

 latter will be useful should it become necessary 

 to abandon the ship. 



Notwithstanding such a withering blight to 

 my dearest hopes, yet I cannot overlook the 

 many sources of gratification which do exist ; 

 we have not only the necessaries, but also a fair 

 portion of the luxuries of ordinary sea-life ; our 

 provisions and clothing are abundant and well 

 suited to the climate. Our whole equipment, 



E 



