GREENLAND OR POLAR IGE. 



277 



one solid mass. In this way, are produced such 

 fields, as exhibit a rugged, hummocky surface. 



Fields commonly make their appearance about 

 the month of June, though sometimes earlier : — 

 they are frequently the resort of young whales ; 

 strong north and westerly winds expose them to 

 the Greehlandmen, by driving off the loose ice. 

 Some fields exhibit a perfect level plain, without 

 a fissure or hummock, so clear indeed, that I 

 imagine, upon one which I saw, a coach might be 

 driven a hundred miles in a direct line, without 

 any obstruction. Most commonly, however, the 

 surface contains some hummocks, which somewhat 

 relieve the uniformity of intense light, by a tinge 

 of delicate green, in cavities where the light gains 

 admittance in an oblique direction, by passing 

 through a portion of ice. 



The invariable tendency of fields to drift to the 

 south-westward, even in calms, is the means of 

 many being yearly destroyed. They have fre- 

 quently been observed to advance a hundred miles 

 in this direction, within the space of one month, 

 notwithstanding the occurrence of winds from 

 every quarter. On emerging from amidst the 

 smaller ice, which before sheltered them, they 

 are soon broken up by the swell, are partly dis- 

 solved, and partly converted into drift ice. The 

 places of such, are supplied by others from the 

 north. White bears here find an occasional ha- 

 bitation, and will travel many leagues from lan4 



VOL, II. T 



