INTERESTING FORMS OF ICE. 87 
for only on the principle, that, in a variety of ac¬ 
cidental forms, which, with regard to the polar 
ice, is almost infinite, such similitudes of animals 
and of the works of art must occur. It should 
be observed, however, that very few of the curious 
figures in ice will maintain their character, when 
examined in all positions; it is, perhaps, only in 
one aspect that the appearance is at all interest¬ 
ing. The outline is the principal thing necessary 
for determining the resemblance, since the beauti¬ 
ful whiteness and reflection of light are generally 
such, as to conceal the defects of the surface, by 
preventing the inequalities from being detected 
by the eye*. 
No alteration took place in the situation of the 
ice on the 9th June. The weather was beauti- 
* Some circumstances now stated, as well as other re¬ 
marks and descriptions that are given in this volume, will 
be found to be mentioned in Captain Manby’s " Journal of 
a Voyage to Greenland, in the year 1821." Both in justice 
to Captain Manby and myself, I therefore think it proper 
to remark, that such circumstances either occurred within 
the observation of both of us, or that such remarks arose 
out of my numerous and interesting conversations with 
this intelligent friend, during the voyage in which he ac¬ 
companied me to the whale-fishery; and, consequently, that 
-heir original suggestion, if not simultaneous or common to 
oth, could scarcely be claimed by either. 
