ICEBERGS AND PACK ICE. 
135 
south-east direction. Fortunately at the time the 
wind allowed us to back out again, and we hove-to 
for daylight, when a beautiful sight was presented, 
for we were close to the edge of the pack, which 
from the masthead appeared to be perfectly solid, 
without any opening in either direction. The 
north-west wind of the previous day had apparently 
forced all this mass together. Some hours were spent 
dredging in 1675 fathoms (bottom greenish mud). 
A small number of starfish, some small shrimps, 
and a few curious Crustacea and diatomaceae were 
obtained. After dredging, we stood on a westerly 
course under sail. The novelty of being surrounded 
with icebergs (for they were now so numerous that 
we had to alter course occasionally so as to clear 
them), and having on one side of the horizon a 
boundless field of ice, with calm weather, and a 
totally new set of sea-birds, amongst which was the 
elegant, pure white little petrel (which became more 
numerous), gave us intense delight. Experiments 
were now carried out relative to the temperature of 
the sea. At the surface it was found to be 30°, and 
at a depth of 1600 fathoms 26°. Snow and sleet 
came on, accompanied with an easterly breeze, and 
the temperature of the air fell to 28°. 
Feb. 15 th . — The day was dull and cold, tempera- 
ture of air down to 28° ; wind light and sea calm, 
so made but little progress under sail. There are 
several large “ bergs ” in sight, and an extensive 
