Henry G. Bryant. 
7 
surroundings on an Arctic cruise, and we became reconciled to 
the absence of many creature comforts as we realized the pecu- 
liar requirements of a vessel engaged in this northern work and 
observed how admirably the “Falcon” met these requirements. 
On the morning of the fifth day out Cape Desolation, just 
north-west of the southernmost point of Greenland, was sighted 
25 miles to the north-east, and we soon found ourselves ap- 
proaching the belt of broken ice which is carried by the current 
down the east coast of Greenland and thence northward along 
the west coast for a distance of about 150 miles. Skirting along 
the edge of the loose pack, the delicate emerald and sapphire 
tints of the floating ice masses, weathered into strange shapes, 
aroused general admiration, while the lengthening twilights pre- 
pared us for the nightless day of the Arctic summer. For two 
days we pushed through or skirted the edge of the east coast ice, 
which compelled us, at times, to veer off several points to the 
westward of our course. Notwithstanding our distance from 
shore, which was usually about 25 miles, the outlines of the coast 
stood out with marvelous distinctness; so clear and still is the at- 
mosphere in these northern latitudes. Here, too, we observed 
numbers of the large hooded seals (Cystophera cristatd) sunning 
themselves on the ice pans. Of the five males which were shot 
for specimens the largest measured seven feet. Their heads 
were marked by the singular bladder-like appendage over the 
nose which distinguishes this variety of seal. The tenacity for 
life shown by these creatures was something extraordinar}-'. 
While stretched out in the lee scuppers, long after we supposed 
the merciful bullets had done their work, one of these seals would 
raise his head and look defiance to his enemies. 
About four P. M. on July 13th, we passed the Frederikshaab 
Glacier in the distance, and at eight o’clock the same evening 
slacked our speed for an hour while the surface drag nets were 
cast over, for the purpose of securing some of those minute ma- 
rine animals whose presence forms so important a part in the 
economy of bird and fish life in the north. The evening being 
calm and warm, a successful “catch” was secured, to the delight 
of Dr. Ohlin, who promptly set to work to assort his prizes and 
