OF THE POLAR SEA. 



25 



about to be upset on some rough projecting 

 piece of ice. Thus equipped, we set off 

 before the wind, (a favourable circumstance 

 on a lake,) and went on very well until 

 noon, when the ice being driven up in 

 ridges, in such a manner as to obstruct us 

 very much, I was released ; and I confess 

 not unwillingly, though I had to walk the 

 remainder of the day. 



" There are large openings in many parts 

 where the ice had separated, and in at- 

 tempting to cross one of them, the dogs fell 

 into the water and were saved with difficulty. 

 The poor animals suffered dreadfully from 

 the cold, and narrowly escaped being frozen 

 to death. We had quickened our pace 

 towards the close of the day, but could not 

 get sight of the land ; and it was not till the 

 sun had set that we perceived it about four 

 miles to our left, which obliged us to turn 

 back and head the wind. It was then so 

 cold, that two of the party were frozen al- 

 most immediately about the face and ears. 

 I escaped, from having the good fortune to 

 possess a pair of gloves made of rabbits' 



