248 SLOW PKOGKESS. Chap. XIII. 



and slow. We encamped that night upon the 

 long lake. On the second day we reached the 

 western sea, and upon the third, aided by our 

 sledge sails, we advanced some miles beyond 

 Arcedeckne Island. 



The various depots carried out with so much 

 difficulty and danger in the autumn, were now 

 gathered up as we advanced, until at length we 

 were so loaded as to be compelled to proceed with 

 one-half at a time, going three times over the 

 same ground. For six days this tedious mode of 

 progression was persevered in, by which time 

 (15th April) we reached the low limestone shore 

 in latitude 71° 7' N., and which continues thence 

 in almost a straight line southward for 60 or 70 

 miles. We now commenced laying down pro- 

 visions for our consumption upon the return 

 journey ; and the snow being unusually level, 

 we were able to advance with the whole of our 

 remaining provisions, amounting to nearly sixty 

 days' allowance. 



Hitherto the temperature continued low, often 

 nearly 30° below zero, and at times with cutting 

 north winds, bright sun, and intensely strong 

 snow glare. Although we wore coloured spec- 

 tacles, yet almost all suffered great incon- 

 venience and considerable pain from inflamed 

 eyes. Our faces were blistered, lips and hands 



