ANCIENT SLEDGE-TRACKS. 
121 
bulkhead separating it from them. How it had been 
ignited it was impossible to know. Our safety was 
due to the dense charge of carbonic acid gas which 
surrounded the fire, and the exclusion of atmospheric 
air. When the hatches were opened, the flame burst 
out with energy. Our fire-hole was invaluable; and I 
rejoiced that in the midst of our heavy duties, this 
essential of an Arctic winter harbor had not been neg¬ 
lected. The ice around the brig was already fourteen 
inches thick. 
“October 1, Saturday.—Upon inspecting the scene 
of yesterday’s operations, we found twenty-eight well- 
fed rats of all varieties of age. The cook, though un¬ 
able to do duty, is better: I can hear him chanting 
his Beranger through the blankets in his bunk, happy 
over his holiday, happy to be happy at every thing. 
I had a larger dose of carbonic acid even than he, and 
am suffering considerably with palpitations and ver¬ 
tigo. If the sentimental asphyxia of Parisian char¬ 
coal resembles in its advent that of the Arctic zone, 
it must be, I think, a poor way of dying. 
“October 3, Monday.—On shore to the southeast, 
above the first terrace, Mr. Petersen found unmistake- 
able signs of a sledge-passage. The tracks were 
deeply impressed, but certainly more than one season 
old. This adds to our hope that the natives, whose 
ancient traces we saw on the point south of Godsend 
Ledge, may return this winter. 
“October 5, Wednesday.—I walked this afternoon 
to another group of Esquimaux huts, about three miles 
