FISH. 99 
together skeptical as to their ability to generalize in an 
area like this. Even the general axis of motion, the 
trend of the pack, can seldom he ascertained. I have 
seen the ice open into parallel and transverse canals 
from horizon to horizon ; and a few moments after- 
ward, without any observed changes of current, wind, 
or temperature, these canals would rapidly become cur- 
vilinear, and we seemed as if in the centre of a great 
system of rotation. 
Since our entry into the ice, we were comparatively 
without visits from birds. The ducks had deserted us ; 
but the red-throated diver ( Colymhus septentrionalis, 
Temm.) abounded in the larger openings. The black 
guillemots {Uria grylle, Temm.) sometimes passed 
us in groups, or were started up in the leads. We 
missed the kittiwake. The Laridse were represented 
only by the Glaucous and Ivory gulls. These last were 
in company with tern, and flew over the floes seeking 
the refuse of our vessels. The strong and graceful 
flight which distinguishes the gulls is especially evi- 
dent in the Ivory variety — without exception, the most 
attractive bird I ever saw. The Fulmar petrel, a sol- 
itary jager [Lestris parasitica), the Stunt jager of Mar- 
ten, one "boatswain," a bird which I had not previous- 
ly seen, except in company with the Tridactyl gull — 
these complete the list. 
The only fish we met with at this time was the 
Merlangus polaris of Parry's first voyage. We caught 
it often in the surface pools that adjoined the leads. 
It never exceeded six inches in length. From these I 
obtained some specimens of lernians. Strange to say, 
no less than three individuals were noticed with these 
parasites, and in one the dorsal ridge was completely 
covered with them. 
