OF THE POLAR SEA. 



199 



a heavy snow-storm, and the only observa- 

 tion we could then make was to examine 

 whether the temperature of the atmosphere 

 altered during the eclipse, but we found 

 that both the mercurial and spirit thermo- 

 meters remained steadily at 30° for a 

 quarter of an hour previous to its com- 

 mencement, during its continuance, and for 

 half an hour subsequent to its termination ; 

 we remarked the wind increased very much, 

 and the snow fell in heavier flakes just after 

 the estimated time of its commencement. 

 This boisterous weather continued until 

 three P.M., when the wind abated, and the 

 snow changed to rain. 



As there was now no immediate occasion 

 for my remaining on the spot, the eclipse 

 being over, and the Indians having removed 

 to their hunting-grounds, Dr. Richardson 

 and I determined on taking a pedestrian 

 excursion to the Copper-Mine River, leav- 

 ing Mr. Wentzel in charge of the men, and 

 to superintend the buildings. On the morn- 

 ing of September the 9th we commenced 

 our journey, under the guidance of old 



