Jan. 1859. RETURN OF THE SUN, 1859. 221 



enjoyed much of the moon's presence for the last 

 ten days, but now she is waning and hastening 

 away to the south. DayHght increases in 

 strength and duration, consequently we walk 

 more, and see more, and the winter's gloom 

 gives place to activity and cheerfulness. Several 

 ptarmigan, three or four hares, a snowy owl, 

 and a bear-track, have at various times been 

 seen. Young has shot four ptarmigan, and I 

 have shot a couple more and a hare, and the 

 men have trapped two foxes. 



On board the ship the preparations for tra- 

 velling take precedence of all other occupations. 



IQth. — Part of the sun's disc loomed above 

 the horizon to-day, somewhat swollen and dis- 

 figured by the misty atmosphere, but looking 

 benevolent withal. I happened to be diligently 

 traversing the rocky hill-sides in the hope of 

 finding some solitary hare dozing in fancied 

 security, when the sun thus appeared in view, 

 and halted to feast my eyes upon th^glm-ious 

 sight, and scan the features of our returning 

 friend. Hope and promise mingled in his bright 

 beams. Again I moved upward, and with more 

 elastic step ; for now the sun of 1859 was shining 

 upon all nature around me. 



Ind February. — A lovely, calm, bright day, 

 and beautifully clear, except over the water- 



