446 
SCOTT^S LAST EXPEDITION 
Snow 
Precipitation from the atmosphere occurred always 
in the form of snow in these regions bordering on the 
continent ; sometimes, when the temperature was high, in 
the form of delicate six-rayed stars, or at lower tempera- 
tures in the form of hexagonal plates, little granular 
balls, or at still lower temperatures fine needle-shaped 
forms. 
Not long, however, do they keep this form after fall- 
ing. Immediately ^ the mighty molecule ' starts its work, 
some crystals grow at the expense of others, the whole 
grows more compact, becomes hard, and while still con- 
taining much air is white and called neve. Later it 
completes its change by expelling the air and becomes 
the well-known blue ice. 
During the summer one can see the whole transforma- 
tion taking place before one's eyes in the course of a few 
days. 
Crystal Forms 
Not only in the form of snow, however, do these 
crystal forms occur. In crevasses, on the roof of the 
stables, on windows, and so on, countless varied forms 
are to be seen, each single form corresponding to a par- 
ticular tetnperature, humidity, change of temperature, 
and change of humidity. Every slight lowering of 
temperature deposits its appropriate form and quantity 
of ice crystals on every object exposed to these conditions. 
Thus on ice ponds or other masses of ice, at times the 
crystals are so deposited as to outline the form of the 
