I then forgave them, for I could not feel resentment,
'Gainst men who 'midst privation had contentment.
You're welcome for their sakes,-I can't dissemble,
For you, your persevering predecessors do resemble
In everything-including killing deer, and even my musk-

oxen

You coolly shoot, and then with musket knock 'em
Down their carcasses next skin and bear off,
Whilst not a particle of meat I get a share of.
But I o'erlook it all. You see I've come to-day
To join you as of old in forwarding the play.
Well! 'tis a splendid house, quite equals Parry's,
And far surpasses that of Mr. Barry's

Houses of Parliament, for you I see don't need

The ventilating process used by Doctor Reid.

And Brothers, for such we are by common consanguinity,

Let's live as such, in constant unanimity.

Take exercise, be cheerful, and care throw aside,

Cold, darkness, and monotony you may thus deride:

For even here that cherub sweet, with heart both kind and

soft,

The life of Jack holds dear; - she's watching now-aloft!

Last spring a herald from the Tchoutschi's king

Told me this season to my realms would bring

A "Resolute" and "Intrepid" band, and bid me tell it,

In order to surprise his friend, their leader-Captain Kellett. (A bell rings.)

But hark-a bell! ah! that's a hint to close my long oration; They're anxious to appear, my friends, to gain your appro

bation;

But remember they're beginners, for I know they've fondly reckoned,

On your kindness to gloss lightly o'er the faults of Charles the Second.

Then followed the amusing historical drama of "Charles the Second," the characters being sus

tained by the following officers.

A few amusing songs entertained the company, during the interregnum between the plays.

The second piece of the evening (acted by the seamen), was the laughable farce of

"God save the Queen" was played by the band, on the fall of the curtain; and the company separated, well pleased with the evening's entertainments, which went off admirably.

Un petit souper, hospitably provided by Captain Kellett, was done ample justice to; nor were the men forgotten on the occasion, but made a plea

M

162

A FEW WORDS ON THE THEATRE.

sant finish with a glass of grog, and something

to eat.

Amateur theatricals are seldom subjected to severe criticism, even where there are the advantages of being able to select suitable costumes, and choose from a numerous circle of friends or acquaintances, persons competent to sustain an assumed character with some degree of éclat: but here, where the dreary darkness of an Arctic winter affects the mind and body in no small measure, where the temperature is at zero on the stage (no joke in petticoats), besides having to depend on our own resources, where is the man who could look at such performances with a too critical eye?

Taking a part as I did in the play, I shall say but little respecting its merits or demerits; but, in mere justice to those with whom I was associated, it is but fair to add, that in the opinion of all present, the action and delivery would have reflected no discredit on a London stage. The scenic arrangements, under the entire control of Mr. Dean (carpenter), were perfect in every respect.

CHAP. VIII.

Routine of the Day during the Winter.-Employment.-An Aurora.-Musk-Oxen seen in Mid-winter.-Death of George Drover. The Absence of Light. - Entertained by the "Intrepids."-Christmas Day.-Wind, Weather, &c.-Decrease of Temperature. - Preparations for Travelling. -Two Ptarmigan shot.-A Hare killed.-Rencontre with a Bear. -A few Words about Thermometers.-Theatrical Performances. Expected Appearance of the Sun.-The Prodigal's Return. - Observed Refraction.-Face Protectors. The Necessity of a Companion when walking.— Direction of intended Canal. - Visited by a Native-Bear. —A Gale. -Absence of two Officers. Strange Effects of Cold.Furious Gale. Re-stow After-hold with Gravel.-Provisions for Travelling Parties. — Mode of preparing Pemican. -Articles of Equipment.

THE events of the past month, though not very striking, were not entirely devoid of interest. It is not my intention to enter at length on the daily routine, but rather glance at the general nature of the duties, which were so arranged as to give to every man a fair and requisite amount of exercise in the open air.

After divisions, at 8.45 A. M., the men repaired to the various duties assigned to them, which on fine days, were invariably in the open air,-removing the accumulation of snow-drift from around the ship,— bringing off gravel, completing wall round firehole, -and building a snow-house for the observatory.

The low state of the temperature prevented the mechanics working in the open air, but in order to ensure their exercise, they walked the floe or deck until 10.0 A. M., when their daily work commenced. Dinner at noon, and supper at 5.30 P. M., completed the working portion of the day; after this, those who wished, received instruction from the officers, or otherwise amused themselves.

In order to ensure a good article, no time was lost in setting the shoemakers to work on the travelling boots, the body being composed of canvas, the heel being strengthened and stiffened by an additional piece.

Their shape, to be sure, was not such as would obtain custom if displayed in a shop-front in Regent Street, but as comfort and durability were the two most important qualities to be desired in their construction, an elegant shape could well be dispensed with.