ted nothing but ice.

Attempts were made to communicate with the _Discovery_, but the state of
the ice and snow prevented any such adventure, though Captain Stephenson
was only sixty miles distant.  Winter now set in, and the _Alert_ was
banked in snow.  Candles and stoves and snow kept the inhabitants warm,
and snow-houses were erected for scientific and storage purposes.  The
prospect afforded a view of limitless snow, and then darkness set in and
limited the view to a few yards, except when the oft-recurring moon gave
her welcome light.  Doctor Moss, in his journal, gives a spirited
description of the daily routine, which we condense.  The cold was
intense--the greatest ever experienced (73 degrees).

The toilet is rapidly performed, a tub is a weekly luxury.  The men have
breakfasted, and the rattling of cups and saucers warns the officers
curried-sardine day has come round again!  Cocoa is ready and hot rolls.
Then the men have lime-juice and hot water for health's sake.
Afterwards all hands parade on deck for inspection and prayers.  Then
work begins.  Water is procured from ice, tools mended, etcetera.  The
crew dine at one o'clock, the officers at 2:30.  The latter go for a
walk or rehearse theatricals.  Going out, the air smells like green
walnuts, says Doctor Moss.  The walk, unless there is a moon, is taken
up and down a beaten track, in the dark, half a mile long.  The dinner
gong sounds, all come in (brushing off the snow first).  Then dinner,
and when the cloth is off the white cat seats herself on the table.
After dinner reading or writing, then school for the men; and music,
chess or whist concluding the evening.

The _Alert_ had no sun for a hundred and forty-two days, and the
darkness was nearly as deep at noonday as an ordinary moonless night in
England.  On the 2nd of March the sun shone brightly, and the sledging
was arranged for.  The theatrical season had ended on the 24th of
February.  Many favourite farces were played, and the burlesque written
by the chaplain met with great success.

A s