SPITSBERGEN. 
347 
Feb . 3rd .—Several seals seen. 
Feb. 10 th. —Ryper-droppings observed. The Spits¬ 
bergen Grouse make long burrows beneath the snow; 
and, since snow falls deep long before the severe frosts 
set in, the autumnal crop of berries, seeds, etc., is thus 
preserved beneath it, and provides the grouse with food. 
This explains the problem of how game-birds can 
survive the Arctic winter. The burrows are too narrow 
for a fox to enter. 
Feb. 14 th .—The coldest day so far—temperature, 
max. 25°; min., minus 31°; mean, minus 28*25°. 
Feb. 20 th .—Many Tystie observed in small flocks, 
plumage very white; also three Fulmars. A glint of 
sunshine was observed for the first time at noon, 
impinging on the mountain-tops. 
Feb. 21st .—Several Fulmars seen, and seals on the 
ice for the first time since autumn. Caught Humpe 
again, thin, after twenty-six days’ absence. 
Feb. 2 Qth .—Sun seen for first time since mid- 
October. 
Feb. 27th .—Bear seen, and shot on following day— 
a big male, 7 feet 11 inches long. Stomach empty but 
for paper, hay, etc., blown away from house. 
Temperature for February—max. 27°; min., minus 
38°; mean 7*07°. A windy and foggy month, with little 
aurora. 
March 1st .—Birds seen — I think Eider and 
Fulmars; many of the latter flying about on 4th. 
March 5th .—Ryper were heard to-day and their 
tracks seen in snow. On the 11th saw four and shot 
two. Plumage white, black tail. 
