Dec. 1858. CHRISTMAS CHEER. 217 



tables of the men, as the officers and myself 

 walked (by invitation) round the lower deck. 

 Yenison, beer, and a fresh stock of clay pipes, 

 appeared to be the most prized luxuries ; 

 but the variety and abundance of the eat- 

 ables, tastefully laid out, was such as might 

 well support the delusion which all seemed 

 desirous of imposing upon themselves — that 

 they were in a land of plenty —in fact, all hut 

 at home ! We contributed a large cheese and 

 some preserves, and candles superseded the ordi- 

 nary smoky lamps. With so many comforts, 

 and the existence of so much genuine good feel- 

 ing, their evening was a joyous one, enlivened 

 also by songs and music. 



Whilst all was order and merriment within 

 the ship, the scene without was widely dif- 

 ferent. A fierce north-wester howled loudly 

 through the rigging, the snowdrift rustled 

 swiftly past, no star appeared through the 

 oppressive gloom, and the thermometer varied 

 between 76° and 80° below the freezing point. 

 At one time it was impossible to visit the 

 magnetic observatory, although only 210 yards 

 distant, and with a rope stretched along, 

 breast high, upon poles the whole way. The 

 officers discharged this duty for the quarter- 



