STATE OF THE PACK. 
841 
tj ; the India rubber boat was lowered into the lead, 
and the party ferried over. So ends this last trip to 
these ice-openings. 
" It is evident that these gradual crack-formings and 
chasm-openings, with the hummooking and other at- 
tendant actions, are but preludes to a complete break- 
ing up. Our previous observations show that the dis- 
ruption of these large areas can not be effected sud- 
denly. It is a gradual process ; so gradual, even in 
Lancaster Sound, as to allow time for personal escape, 
although the vessel be a victim. 
"From the 12th of January, the date of our last 
break-up, down to the present movement, is two 
months. The intense cold, with feeble winds and the 
absence of impact or collisions, have kept up the integ- 
rity of this great pack. I think it may reasonably be 
doubted whether it will now close again before our 
liberation or destruction. The excessive thickness of 
the tables, the wave and tidal actions, the mildening 
temperature, and the probable continuance of winds, 
all point to this. We have already a system of fis- 
sures within a third of a mile of us ; and a continued 
augmentation of their number must soon place us in a 
centre of commotion. It is pleasant by one's ice-ex- 
perience to anticipate the state of things : and now 
that the battle is coming on again, I make a record 
of these reasoned expectations, to show you hereafter 
how well I am reasoning. 
" One thing more : the days have stolen upon us — 
longer, and longer, and longer, until now the long twi- 
light lets me read on deck as late as eight P.M. In 
fact, the sun's greatest depression below the horizon is 
now 18°, the limit of theoretical twilight. 
"March 26, Wednesday. The same peculiar crisp- 
