APPENDIX NO. V. 
367 
three times that distance over smooth ice. A meridian-altitude gave 
me lat. 79° 23' 5", but this result I obtained with difficulty, and it is 
scarcely reliable. Future observations made at this point determined 
the latitude more accurately. The general course I endeavored to 
pursue was N. 20° W. in the direction of a headland of the coast made 
on the 27th. But to this it was never possible to adhere for five 
minutes consecutively. We ran E., W., N., and even S., as we were 
occasionally forced to retrace our steps in order to penetrate at another 
point. I had already, so early as yesterday noon, felt the premonitory 
symptoms of snow-blindness, and to-day my eyes were so weak as to 
render the use of the sextant painful. 
May 23.—This morning I could not see in the least, and as riding 
on the sledge was not possible, we were obliged to lay to. My eyes 
improved a little during the day, and at 9.30 r.M. I managed to get 
one open. We immediately set out again; but an hour’s use closed 
it, and w^e encamped. 
May 24.—Continued in camp during the day. I have never in my 
life had the misfortune to have crowded into the short space of thirty- * 
six houre so much bodily pain as I suffered from this attack. William 
fared better. A pair of light-blue glasses had been loaned me by Mr. 
Petersen, and, thinking William’s eyes as driver were of more account 
than my own, I desired him to wear them. Although I do not think 
glasses are always of service, yet they are useful when the sun shines 
brightly, especially on the face; but on a cloudy or misty day they are 
of no value whatever. 
May 25.—Set out at 4 A.M., and during the first two hours made 
nearly due N.; then, until 11.30 A.M., our course bore N.W. over the 
same description of road we had yesterday. I then halted to fix our 
position and lay dowrn the coast-line as it trended to the northward. 
The meridian-observation gave me lat. 79° 24' 4" with artificial 
(mercurial) horizon. The most distant visible headland of the coast 
bore N. 120 E. (magn.) Bluff sighted on the 22d, N. 100 E. (magn.) 
This has since been our course. Intermediate bluff, N. 110 E. (magn.) 
The dogs were pretty well rested by 1.30 r.M. and we again got under 
way, and at 5.30 we halted, having travelled during the day about five 
miles in a direct line from the bluff, but not less than twenty in our 
tortuous course. 
May 2G.—Started at 6 a.m., our course being N. by N.N.E. Made 
about the same distance as yesterday, and halted at 4 p.m. At the 
close of this day William was completely exhausted. The do^s were 
broken down, and almost unable to drag along. Their harness, having 
