END OF 1854. 
451 
nails clearly defined upon the skin. The phospho¬ 
rescence was not unlike the ineffectual fire of the glow¬ 
worm. As I took the pistol my hand became illu¬ 
minated also, and so did the powder-rubbed paper 
when I raised it against the muzzle. 
“ The paper did not ignite at the first trial, hut, the 
light from it continuing, I was able to charge the pistol 
without difficulty, rolled up my paper into a cone, 
filled it with moss sprinkled over with powder, and 
held it in my hand while I fired. This time I suc¬ 
ceeded in producing flame, and we saw no more of the 
phosphorescence. I do not stop for theory or argu¬ 
ment to explain this opportune phenomenon; our fur 
clothing and the state of the atmosphere may refer it 
plausibly enough to our electrical condition. 
“As soon as the wind had partially subsided, we 
broke out of the hut and tried the dogs toward Refuge 
Inlet; but the poor broken-down animals could not sur¬ 
mount the hummocks; and, as a forced necessity to 
save their lives and ours, we resolved to push for the 
brig on foot, driving them before us. We made the 
walk of forty-four miles in sixteen hours, almost scud¬ 
ding before the gale, and arrived safely at 7 r. M. of 
Sunday; the temperature —40°.” 
With this fruitless adventure closed the year 1854. 
