RETURN TO BREMERHAVEN.[92]
Repeated leakage of the boiler-tubes.--Becalmed.--Disappearance
of the Coast.--Dense fog.--Voyage in the ice.--The Germania
forces a passage through the ice.--The boiler finally refuses
to work altogether.--Perceptible sound of breakers in the
open sea.--Collision with an ice-bank.--We reach the open
sea.--Joy over our speedy return homewards.--Passing by Iceland
between the Faröe and Shetland Islands.--Near Heligoland.--No
pilots.--No sail at the mouth of the Weser.--German
men-of-war.--First knowledge of the German victories and of the
fate of the Hansa.--Salute by the crew of the King William on
the safe return of the Germania from the Arctic Sea.--Steamer
and pilots.--Arrival at Bremerhaven on 11th of September, 1870.
All was now ready for our return to Europe, and on the 16th of August
our poor patched boiler was heated once more, but as soon as steam was
up more pipes began to leak, and it was very doubtful whether it could
be used at all. One more trial, however, must be made; in the meantime,
as there was no wind, we rode at anchor. Calms seem to prevail here in
the summer months. During our year of observation, from the beginning
of 1869 to the end of July, 1870, we noted no less than 2435 hours of
total calm, 750 hours of which fell in the summer months of June, July,
and August, being the third part of the whole time.
From this, one may judge how little can be done with a sailing-ship in
so short a time.
The next morning, the 17th of August, dawned with a dense fog, which
did not lift until noon, when we weighed anchor homeward-bound. We
steamed due east, as the Captain intended if possible to force the
barrier in that latitude, instead of going further south. After a few
hours the boiler-pipes again began to leak, so as there was a calm and
thick fog, we were obliged to anchor by a small field.
The whole coast of Greenland was hidden from our sight, and we had seen
the last of that land which for a whole year had been our home. The
machinery was repaired in the night, though with but little hope of its
durability, and we started once more.
On the 18th the wind blew from the south, and the fog was thicker than
ever, falling wet around us, so we preferred remaining by our field
instead of advancing blindly into the pack.
We remained pretty stationary, the astronomical observations at noon
showing but a slight change in the position of our ice-field, though it
had turned upon its axis ten points of the compass, and that with the
sun.
We had paid particular attention to the revolving of the ice-fields,
and found that by far the greater number turned against the sun. Our
observations were, however, not numerous enough to warrant our assuming
this to be the rule.
On the morning of the 19th of August, as the fog was lighter, we
steamed forward in an easterly direction, only a few floes at first
drifting in our way. But, as might be expected, the ice became denser
as we advanced into the pack, from time to time passing large fields
between which lay broad channels of open water.
At three a.m. we came to a chain of floes with a more watery appearance
than the large fields we had passed during the night, which was
therefore a pleasing sign that we were nearing the sea. After passing
round these floes in a south-westerly direction, we came into open
water for a short time longer. There was still a dense fog, and at
four o’clock we struck upon a large field, and a row of thick-lying
floes. After some attempts to break through these masses, we found
ourselves entangled in a labyrinth of ice showing not the smallest
opening to westward. Nothing but the manœuvring capabilities of the
ship by means of the screw prevented us from being completely blocked
in. But how in this thick fog could we retain this freedom of motion?
One of those happy circumstances that can never be counted upon came
to our assistance. At six o’clock the fog suddenly lifted, and at some
miles to westward we could see an opening. We now steered along the
edge of the ice-field, at the end of which to rather a broad extent lay
closely packed floes, and beyond these to our great joy was again open
water. We had no alternative but to force our way through: and with
the whole of its steam power the Germania was run into the ice. The
ship quivered and groaned, but the ice slowly gave way, and we glided
into open water. The violent shock, however, had been too much for our
invalid boiler: the pipes again began to leak, and put out the fire. We
had just time to anchor, in a complete calm, when thick fog set in once
more. Our position was 73° 17′ N. Lat. and 15° 41′ W. Long.
On the morning of the 21st of August, we made one more attempt to work
our way out of the ice by steam. But in a very short time, the boiler
refused its services; and the Captain found that all further progress
by steam was at an end, and that the remainder of the voyage must be
made under sail. At this time, however, there was so little wind, that
the seemingly unmanageable ship soon drifted against a large floe,
where we lay under all sail. It was still very foggy, but the sun shone
through, so that we could take our observations, which gave us as usual
S.S.W., with ten nautical miles for the day’s run; whilst, when nearer
the coast, they placed us more towards the east.
In the afternoon we tried with a light southerly breeze to sail
further, but again struck upon thick ice, and on account of the fog
were obliged to anchor. In the night the south-east wind rose to a
storm; the ice began to move, which greatly incommoded us, for several
blocks were driven by the wind against our field, subjecting us to
great pressure. Indeed, at about two a.m., some large floes threatened
to crush us. We were obliged to run for it, and tried to pull round to
the north-west point of our field, on the lee side of which we should
find more protection from the advancing ice. After great exertions we
succeeded in placing the ship in safety in a bend in the ice-field,
where it was made fast with strong ropes, and the men then took a few
hours’ rest. In the meanwhile the ice pushed itself closer together, so
that we feared being blockaded in; and yet nothing remained for us but
to wait patiently, and see what fate would bring us. To set sail in the
storm and fog would have been still more dangerous.
On the morning of the following day the atmosphere cleared a little,
though it rained violently: the wind moderated. To the south and
south-west there appeared to be much open water, to which, exactly to
windward, led a small channel blocked by several ice floes; and it
seemed almost impossible to tack against a fresh wind through this
narrow pass. But it was our only chance of escaping from a blockade
in the ice. We therefore set sail in the pouring rain, and made tacks
for the channel. But it was not till after much manœuvring that we
succeeded in avoiding the floating blocks, and clearing it.
We had now so much sea-room that for a quarter of an hour we were able
to keep on one tack; and on either side, to the east as well as to
the west, the ice lay completely closed. Towards evening we could go
no further either to the south or south-west, and open water was only
to be seen in the direction we had come from. The violent south and
south-east wind, which outside had no doubt raged like a storm, had
driven the ice so together that the Captain felt convinced with such a
wind there could be no getting clear. As it was quite dark, we anchored
by a field to wait for clear weather and a change of wind. During the
night it sometimes rained violently, but it blew more from the east,
and the rising barometer gave us expectations of better weather.
The following day we again tried to go a little further by steering
along the field to the north-east, but here, too, as we might have
expected, the ice was closed; so on account of a fog which had come up
with the east wind, we dropped anchor once more.
According to the log-reckoning our position was 73° 4′ N. and 15° 32′
W., but the current had drifted us a little to the south. The icy cold
of the water (the temperature was near freezing-point) and the work of
the last few days had exhausted the men, and as we had to be ready any
moment in case our ship should be threatened by the ice, no scientific
work could be undertaken. Soundings, too, had to be given up. In the
face of new difficulties the men required some rest.
In the evening the fog drew off; the wind blew north-east, with a
rising barometer. This was the first time since our departure from the
coast that we had had a clear horizon, and an open field of view around
us. Only to the south and south-east was there navigable water; in
every other direction the ice was closely packed.
On the 24th of August, at two a.m., we set sail with as favourable a
breeze from the north-north-east as we could possibly wish for, and
with a confident hope of being able to break through the belt of ice.
We worked our way south, leisurely making tacks to the west, according
to the position of the ice, which lay so thick that we had to force our
way. To the east still no opening; we must go still further south. A
glorious breeze came to our assistance, and in five or six knots all
icy difficulties were victoriously overcome. At three p.m. the Germania
met a string of floes which showed unmistakable signs of coming from
the ocean, and we could distinctly hear the sound of breakers. Our
joy was indescribable, and we thought nothing of running into the icy
labyrinth at a speed of seven knots. The ship groaned and quivered from
the force of the pressure, and the stern-post received a shock, that
for a moment the captain feared for the timbers; but the Germania bore
it bravely. Driven by the powerful pressure of the wind she bounded
through, and in a short time we glided into open water, where the
long-missed swell of the Atlantic greeted us. What cared we now for
the threatening white fog which surrounded us in thick masses, or
for the ice-blocks we met, or even for the storms that still awaited
us? We were in open water, had plenty of sea-room, and that is all a
sailor needs. “Breakers ahead!” sounded from the bow. The ship was
running upon an ice-bank lying almost before us, and only by the
prompt watchfulness of the man at the wheel, who threw the helm hard
a-starboard, did we avoid running aground. We now steered north-west,
so as to find a more open spot to windward over the starboard bow by
which to clear the ice.
A heavy sea raised by the last storm met us, setting all the ice-blocks
through which the ship had to pass in dangerous motion. But all went
well.
An hour more, and the last bit of ice had disappeared in the fog.
In a south-easterly course we now made straight for the Weser. “My
watch is over!” was a saying of old Scoresby’s, when he was free of
the Greenland ice, and found himself in open sea. “My watch is over!”
exclaimed Captain Koldewey to Mr. Sengstacke, as he retired to his
cabin with a feeling of security that he had not enjoyed for many a day.
Now we were going towards our dear home, and nothing stood in the
way of our hope of soon reaching it. For the first time a German
expedition, under the auspices of the black, white, and red flag,
had visited, for a scientific object, the least known region of the
globe, and had there sought to solve some scientific problems; we
might certainly maintain, not quite without success. The North Pole
we had not certainly discovered, and the secret of the real Polar
basin had remained sealed. But we had been allowed, by observation and
investigation of the principles of natural science and navigation,
to contribute no inconsiderable share of knowledge, both of the laws
and the principal phenomena of the Arctic world, so that the real
North Pole question was at any rate theoretically nearer its solution.
Conscious of this, we comforted ourselves for the many hopes left
unfulfilled, and the many objects unattained.
There remain but a few words to be said regarding our return voyage.
Captain Koldewey chose the course past Iceland, between the Faröe and
Shetland Isles, in order to take some soundings at the confluence of
the Gulf-stream and the Arctic current, as well as some measurements of
temperature. But stormy weather, with but slight interruption, lasted
almost to the Weser, and hindered the work so much, that the result was
very indifferent.
On the 10th of September we were a few miles from Heligoland. A heavy
storm blew from the south-west, but in the evening shifted to the
north-west, enabling us to run into shore. At daybreak, though we
had seen no pilot, we recognized Langerooge, and steered along the
South-wall to the mouth of the Weser. No sign of a ship! The Weser
seemed to have died out. Where are the pilots hidden? Are they lying
_perdu_ on account of yesterday’s storm? Well, then, we must
run into the Weser without them; the wind is favourable, the weather
clear, the outer buoy will be easy to find; there is the church-tower
of Wangerooge. Suspecting nothing, we steered on; the tower bears
S.S.W., south-west by south, south-west, but no buoy in sight. The
Captain and steersman look at each other in astonishment. Can we have
been so mistaken and out of our reckoning? But no! That is certainly
Wangerooge; the depth of water agrees, our compass is correct. No doubt
about it, we are in the Weser; something unusual must have happened!
Still no sail in sight! But what is that? Yonder are the roads. There
are several large vessels under steam; they at least can give us some
information. So we make for them. We saluted the German flag, and soon
the cry was heard, “War, war with France; Napoleon is prisoner! France
has declared a Republic; our armies are before Paris!” And then, “Hansa
destroyed in the ice, crew saved.” We thought we were dreaming, and
stood stiff with astonishment at such grand and heart-stirring news.
Not until a loud hurrah for “King William” sounded from a hundred
German throats did we regain our speech, and answer with another
“Hurrah!”
Captain-Lieutenant Stenzel came on board, and welcomed us to German
soil, and from him we learnt somewhat more connectedly the events of
the last few weeks. From the fleet we procured a tug and pilot for the
Weser, and on the 11th of September, at six p.m., we ran safely into
Bremerhaven, where the next morning we had the pleasure of shaking
hands with some gentlemen of the Bremer Committee, at the head of which
was Mr. A. G. Mosle, as well as some of our comrades of the Hansa.
CONCLUSION.
Let us now sum up the results of the second German Arctic Expedition,
in reference to the light thrown upon the Arctic question by the voyage
of the Germania and Hansa:--
1. Uninterrupted, open coast-water, along the coast of East Greenland
has been proved not to exist; it has been shown that the coast-water
is dependent upon local circumstances, and that the ice-current
brings down its masses, even when the ice is at its loosest, to every
projecting point of the coast.
2. East Greenland has been proved not to form a suitable basis for
reaching the North Pole, even setting aside the possibility of reaching
a higher latitude by ship along the coast, in favourable years.
3. On the other hand, by inquiries into the geology, natural history,
and climate of the country itself, and by the investigation of the
large Fjords and their extent north and south, a new basis for
promoting further Arctic discoveries has been created, promising rich
results which may eventually materially assist in solving the Arctic
problem; more so than any advance on the high sea could have done.
4. No important advance into the ice, nor any considerable scientific
result essentially belonging to the land is to be reckoned upon without
the firm support of the coast; and without wintering and erecting
stations for observation, no thorough investigation of the Arctic
regions is possible. This last point is further confirmed by the
results of the latest Arctic Expedition, the leading features of which
are as follows:--
Even whilst we were in Greenland, Kara Straits, between Nova Zembla
and Continental Russia, which is so often impassable from the ice, was
traversed by Norwegian fishermen; indeed, in the year 1870, the whole
of Nova Zembla was sailed round, and the sea both to the north and east
of the island found to be perfectly navigable. This circumstance, in
connexion with the observed proportionately high surface temperature of
the sea, suggested the belief that the easiest way of advancing to the
north, or even of reaching the Pole itself, might be through Barents’
Sea. As is already known, Lieutenant Weyprecht and First-Lieutenant
Payer followed this course, and on the 1st of September, 1871, reached
(in 78° 43′ N. Lat.) the meridian of 42° 30′ E., a point comparatively
remote in this region, although not the first or only instance of the
kind. The sea, too, as far as 59° E. Long., and in almost the same
latitude, was quite free from ice.
The ice towards the north is declared to be lighter and looser, and the
surface temperature of the sea more often between 39° and 41° Fahr.
From these circumstances, combined with the steady motion of the Polar
ice, caused by the large ice-current running along the coast of East
Greenland, the conclusion was at once drawn by Lieutenant Weyprecht
that this might probably be the best road to the North Pole, and that
this open sea might be connected with the so-called Polynia of the
Russians. At Vienna, on the 7th of December, 1871, in a statement
made before the Imperial Academy of Science, Weyprecht explained his
reasons more fully. Although these reasonings were not based upon
altogether correct suppositions, it is true, as pointed out by Dove,
that the distribution of the Polar ice does without doubt create
variations in the state of the temperature in different years (and
that irrespective of any particular spot in the Arctic territory).
The zealous endeavours of Payer and Weyprecht, however, succeeded in
calling into existence, in 1872, a still larger Austrian expedition.
Oddly enough, in spite of authentic accounts of the navigability of the
Arctic Sea, as far as the highest latitude, the project of an Arctic
expedition on the basis of the Barents’ Sea, was dropped, and the
exploration of the Siberian coast and the unknown waters of the north
of Siberia was undertaken. To me this seems to imply that in Austria,
too, they could not quite trust to the existence of an open Arctic sea,
as they evidently laid more stress upon the desirability of following
the coast, and promised themselves richer scientific results than they
could ever expect from advancing on the high sea.
The Austrian Expedition started in the summer of 1872; but, instead
of finding an open and easily navigable sea, as in the previous year,
there were masses of thick ice near Nova Zembla, so that in spite of
steam power, up to the 18th of August they had advanced no further
than Cape Nassau, though they hoped for more favourable opportunities
about the beginning of September. At the same time, some Norwegian
fishermen found the sea perfectly free from ice further westwards;
the much-talked-of Wiche’s, or King Charles’s Land, or Weiche Land
(whichever it is called), was even reached, and its extent decided
within a fraction;[93] whilst again to the north of Spitzbergen so
much ice was met with by the Swedish Expedition, that they could not
even reach Parry Island, where they had intended wintering, so as to
be ready in the early spring for the sledge journeys, by which they
proposed to advance to the Pole. And, although this sea was generally
free from ice as far as 81° N.L., the expedition was forced to pass
the winter in Mossel Bay, and in the spring attempted vainly to reach
a higher latitude by crossing the sea-ice with sledges. They did not
get beyond Parry Island, as the state of the drift-ice (probably too
uneven and lumpy) prevented them. All exploration had to be confined to
Spitzbergen during the winter, as well as during the sledge-journeys,
by which the land ice to the north-east of the country was crossed;
adding a valuable amount of knowledge regarding the physical condition
of Arctic countries.
The above implied variation in the position and extent of the Arctic
ice was particularly proved in the year 1872, by the different voyages
undertaken, and also by the Swedish Expedition; of the Austrian we
have no further news. The advance on the high sea led to no other
result than that of proving the changeableness of the ice-border, and
to leisurely-made observations of temperature and soundings; which,
however important and useful in themselves, without the knowledge of
the extent of the surrounding country and coast and their climate, can
only serve to assist in forming rough conjectures as to the physical
condition of the Pole and its vicinity. Even by the reaching of King
Charles’s Land by the Norwegians no new fact is established, except
that, what some hundreds of years ago was looked upon as a continent,
consists only of a few islands. No examination of the land itself was
made, and nothing but an entire winter passed there will ever supply us
with any important facts concerning it.
The American Expedition, a part of the crew of which were saved on an
ice-floe, brings to light the most facts. Their vessel, the Polaris,
reached the coast of Greenland through Smith Sound, penetrating to the
highest Latitude ever yet attained by any ship, namely, 82° 16′. It was
doubtless the most northerly point of Greenland. The supposition that
Grinnell Land extends as far as 83° N. was confirmed, and the existence
of musk-oxen and a rich Fauna up to 82° N. of Greenland was proved. At
the same time Kane and Hayes’ illusion of an open Arctic Sea, which
proved to be nothing but the entrance of a channel through which ran a
strong current, was thoroughly dispelled.
This voyage of the Polaris, combined with the results obtained by the
German Expedition, shows in a striking manner that the investigation
of Greenland, as the country stretching nearest to the Pole--along
the coast of which one can penetrate to the north on two different
meridians--and where such an extensive field offers for scientific
research, supplies by far the best field for investigating the
geographical and physical condition of Arctic regions, and consequently
the real solution of the Arctic question.
In a pamphlet issued by “The Royal Geographical Society” (p. 10), it
is said:--“The unknown region covers a surface of more than a million
of English square miles. It is impossible that one single expedition
could ever undertake the investigation of the whole of this territory,
and it is therefore necessary to choose that part which contains the
three chief requirements: these are--1, the certainty of exploring a
country up to this time unknown, and of some considerable extent; 2,
the prospect of important discoveries in the different branches of
science; 3, the best security for a safe return. These leading features
can only be secured in a neighbourhood where there is a large extent
of coast-line; for the most important discoveries are to be expected
chiefly on land or near it.”
All this is as suitable for East Greenland, as for West Greenland, and
there can be no reason why the discoveries in East Greenland under the
German Flag should not be continued. It seems to me a matter of honour
for the German nation, that the further investigation of the large
Fjord discovered by us should not be left to other nations, but that it
should garner into itself the seed sown with so much trouble.
An English Expedition to West Greenland through Smith Sound, and a
German one to East Greenland starting at the same time would, with
our present experience and means of assistance, certainly lead to the
exploration of a considerable extent of the unknown Polar area, and
bring home a rich result of scientific discoveries in all branches that
could not be obtained in any other way.
May the present work contribute to reawaken interest in Arctic
explorations, and give a spur to a new Expedition, by which the German
Flag may have its due share in all scientific discoveries in the North
Polar region. To take part in the achievement of this object, is my
greatest desire.
HAMBURG, Oct. 1873.
KARL KOLDEWEY.
[Illustration:
CHART
of the Northern Portion of
EAST-GREENLAND,
surveyed on the Sledge journey
from 24^{th} March to 27^{th} April 1870.
_Scale 1:1,700,000_
_Outward journey_
_Return_
_Encampments_
_astronomically determined Points_
_Soundings_
_The depths are given in English fathoms._
London, Sampson Low, Marston & C^o.
Lith. P. A. Brockhaus, Leipzig.]
[Illustration:
VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES
of the second
GERMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION
in the years 1869 and 1870.
According to the original Surveys
designed and executed with the aid of older Charts
by
W. REINERT.]
[Illustration]
APPENDIX.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ESQUIMAUX IMPLEMENTS
_Figured on plates after p. 516._
1. Representation of a human figure in wood. This figure was found in
a grave on Clavering Island, near Cape Mary. The shape and small size
of this grave clearly indicated that of an infant. The absence of a
skeleton did not surprise us, inasmuch as the bones of an infant are
much more easily destructible than those of an adult. We concluded,
therefore, that this figure was a child’s toy. Two similar figures,
roughly carved in wood, were found by Graah on Sneedorff’s Island.
They remind one forcibly of those discovered by Behring amongst the
savages of the North-West coast of America, where they are held as
idols, although (says Graah) they very probably, as in Greenland, are
used simply as children’s toys. This opinion is also confirmed by the
consideration of the religious views of the Esquimaux. The present
fragment was originally more clearly distinguishable than now, as the
softer projecting parts of the wood have somewhat suffered.
2. A wooden figure of some animal found among the Esquimaux huts on
Klein-Pendulum. This may also have been a toy, and seems to be the
imitation of a fox or perhaps an ermine.
3. This is also the representation of some animal, though what species
was in the carver’s mind it is difficult to say.
4. _a_, _b_, _c_. A sledge-bone, i. e. a piece of bone which the
Esquimaux fasten under the slides in place of our usual iron tires.
We can see still the wooden pegs with which the fastening was
accomplished. We see here also the very beautiful bores by which,
instead of saws, the Esquimaux cut the bones and teeth into pieces. The
finely-bored circular holes are plainly to be seen.
5. _a_, _b_. A so-called “woman’s knife” of reddish slate. We
found many of these in the southern parts. To the smaller and rougher
side a handle of wood or bone was attached, and fastened by means of
the holes bored in it. The knife served the women chiefly for scraping
the fat off the hides.
6–9. Harpoon sockets of walrus teeth, with stone heads. The harpoon
is the principal weapon of the Esquimaux. At the pointed end of the
wooden shaft, which is generally made of a piece of walrus-tooth,
the harpoon-head (siatko) is fixed in a grove made in the stump. It
is attached by means of a cord, the end of which is fastened through
a hole, and it is held taut to the middle of the shaft by a simple
contrivance. At the end a still sharper stone-head is fitted; such a
harpoon is capable of being thrown into a seal or walrus. This being
done, the head is easily loosened from the shaft, so soon as the bight
of the line is detached by a slight jerk of the free end, provided
only it be held tight in the hunter’s hand, or it is furnished with an
inflated bladder.
10. Upper portion of a spear-head of walrus tooth, found on the shore
of Klein-Pendulum.
11. Drawing of a perfect spear, after Kane.
12. One half of a Kajak rudder, found near Cape Borlase Warren.
13. A stick suitable for various purposes. It is not improbable that it
was a kind of bat,[94] used by the Esquimaux lads to play with.
14. Handle for a dagger or similar implement (or weapon), found on
Klein-Pendulum. It is very neatly wrought. We see the holes through
which the thongs were passed, by means of which the head of bone, or
tooth, was fastened to the handle.
15. Tusk of a bear, pierced at the root. Such pierced teeth were worn
by the Esquimaux as ornaments, or possibly occasionally as amulets.[95]
16. An object of walrus tooth, the purport of which is unknown, and
which is only depicted here in order to show the very exact and elegant
workmanship.
17. _a_, _b_, _c_. Similar object, also of walrus tooth.
18. An instrument of bone which probably, fastened to a shaft, served
as a hunting-weapon, or had some other purpose now unknown.
19. Needle made of bone, for sewing the Kajaks.
20. Iron knife found in an Esquimaux hut on Klein-Pendulum. The handle
is of wood and grooved, and the iron blade is inserted, and then is
fastened by means of thongs twisted round it.
A perfectly similar handle was found in another place, but without any
iron in it.
This is the only instance of our finding iron material in North-East
Greenland. Still such iron instruments must always have been very
scarce. Iron is not anywhere found in the land in the form of ore, but
it is real wrought iron imported.
As to its origin, two hypotheses only present themselves. Either
the natives obtain it through exchange with the inhabitants of the
southern districts, and these similarly obtain it from the west coast,
in traffic, which, though not impossible, seems to us still very
improbable;[96] or else it is a piece of the iron which Clavering,
in 1823, presented to the natives in the form of knives and other
implements.
THE END.
INDEX.
Akkia Island, 241, 245.
Alluk Island, 185.
Angmaksätten (herrings), 192–3, 231.
Anorak, 251.
Arctic Basin, 64–65.
Circle, 64, 277, 484, 572.
Circle, Crossing the, 46.
Climate, 440–1, 446.
Current, 51, 65, 67.
Day, 493.
Night, 371, 386, 391.
Open Sea, 351–2, 436, 531.
Sea, Boundary of, 65.
Summer, 502.
Winter, 392–3.
Ardencaple Bay and Inlet, 318–320, 434, 443, 446, 449–50, 458–59,
461–2, 502.
Arsut, 256.
Fjord, 202, 256.
Aurora Borealis, 98, 122, 140, 307, 369, 375, 380, 402, 404.
Aurora harbour, 246.
Bardsen, Ivar, 212.
Barendt’s Sea, 575–6.
Bass Rock, 301.
Bastian’s Bay, 458, 503.
Bears, 78, 97–99, 121–2, 124, 144, 147, 266–7, 314, 329–30, 348–9,
356, 395–397, 429–30, 442, 465–471, 504.
Beer, and bread-making, 259.
Beerenberg, the, 55.
Behring’s Straits, 64, 121.
Benedictine nunnery, 212.
Bennet Island, 546–7, 550.
Peninsula, 552.
Bessel Bay, 429, 431.
Black Wall, the, 462–3.
Blandings, 196, 201.
Boilers, Leakage of, 533, 538, 562, 565–567.
Bontekoe Island, 544, 563.
Börgen, Dr., his adventure with a bear, 407–411.
Botany, 204, 209, 216, 245, 343–347, 464, 475–6, 499, 502, 518–524,
530, 534, 536, 540–1, 545, 558, 562.
Brandenburg Gate, 95, 96, 101.
Brattelid, 235–6.
Breakers ahead, 571.
Bremen, 135, 153, 264.
Bremerhaven, 266, 573.
Butterflies, 484, 540.
Cairn Point, 376, 397.
Harbour, 278.
Canoes, 193. _See_ Kajak, Umiak.
Cape Barclay, 123.
---- Bennet, 478, 547, 563.
---- Berlin, 315, 323, 450, 452, 463.
---- Bismarck, 435.
---- Börgen, 289.
---- Borlase Warren, 305, 307, 356–7, 367, 380.
---- Bremen, 503.
---- Broer Ruys, 82, 476, 543, 564.
---- Buchholz, 129.
---- Copeland, 289.
---- Dan, 123, 136, 138.
---- Desbrowe, 290–1, 516.
---- Discord, 163–4.
---- Egede, 192, 203–4.
---- Farewell, 65, 171–2, 175, 181–2, 191, 239.
---- Franklin, 546–7.
---- Giesecke, 367.
---- Gladstone, 105.
---- Hamburg, 315–16, 322, 452, 477.
---- Heer, 429.
---- Heligoland, 434, 439.
---- Hvidtfeldt, 166–7.
---- Igikait, 175.
---- James, 82–3, 299.
---- Kaksimiut, 239.
---- Karl Ritter, 431.
---- Klinkerflues, 459.
---- Löwenörn, 139.
---- Mary, 357, 520–1, 581.
---- Moesting, 140.
---- Moltke, 144.
---- Nassau, 576.
---- Oswald Heer, 428–9.
---- Pansch, 533.
---- Peebach, 429.
---- Peschel, 431, 440, 442.
---- Philip Broke, 282, 286–7, 289, 291, 295, 300, 476, 496, 516,
530–1.
---- Steenbille, 144.
---- Vallöe, 166.
---- Wymond, 518.
---- Wynn, 280–1, 335, 351–2, 369, 481, 540.
Chalk Alps (Munich), 113.
Christian IV. Island, 171.
Christmas, 124–126, 382, 387–390.
Trees, 125, 387–389.
Church Point, 488, 492–3.
Clavering, Captain, 278, 282–3, 363, 370, 379, 428–9, 513, 515–16,
524, 526, 546.
Island, 351, 354, 357, 361, 363, 490, 520, 546, 557.
Straits, 313, 315, 376, 380, 451, 463, 492, 503, 506, 540.
Copenhagen, 183, 262–3.
Copenhagen, Archæological Society of, 227.
Corona, 92.
Csardas (Hungarian Dance), 227.
Cyclopian Walls, 236.
Damp, Effects of, 338.
Dan Island, 138–9.
Danes, 199–201, 209–10, 222, 224, 228, 239, 249–50, 252.
Davis’ Sound, 432, 543.
Straits, 64–5, 469, 543.
Devil’s Cape, 432–3, 439, 441.
Castle, the, 552, 554, 563.
Thumb, the, 95, 101.
Doggerbank, the, 262.
Dolphins, 42–44.
Domberg, the, 317–18.
Dove Bay, 433, 439.
Dredging, with nets, 32, 53, 87, 90, 93, 350–1, 545.
Drontheim, 38.
Dufferin, Lord, 56.
East Cape, 542.
East Greenland, open coast water does not exist, 574;
not a proper basis for reaching the North Pole, _ib._
East Island, 433.
Easter, 143.
Egede, Hans, 202.
Egede’s Land, 123.
Eiger, the (Switzerland), 361.
Eleanor Bay, 558, 563.
Emperor Francis Joseph’s Fjord, 474, 550, 561–3.
Erick Island, 236.
Fjord, 236.
Rauda, 228, 235.
Erzgebirge, the, and Harz, 178.
Esquimaux (huts, graves, implements, manners and customs, remains),
174, 178–225, 287, 291, 307, 347, 353, 363, 379, 431, 487, 508,
528;
descriptions of plates, 581–583.
---- Krätze, what, 185.
Eutin, 59.
Expedition, Plan of, 1–24;
fitting out, crews, &c., 24–27.
Expeditions, American, 578.
Austrian, 576–7.
English, 515.
German, 578.
Swedish, 578.
Falschen Bay, 323, 463.
Faröe Island, 572.
Fata Morgana, 416, 434.
Fauna, 484, 558, 578.
Fire on board the Germania, 398.
Fishermen, Dutch, 33–35, 262.
Moravian, 262.
Norwegian, 575.
Fishes, 192, 242.
Fiskernäss, 260.
Flache Bay, 305, 351–2, 367, 402, 518, 540.
Fligely Fjord, 316, 318, 320, 363, 450, 452, 455, 459, 462, 503.
Sound, 456.
Flower-basket, the, 86–87.
Fogs, 49, 57–8, 69, 99, 275, 281, 566–570.
Fossils, 504.
Foxes, 99, 124, 137, 290, 349, 442, 472–474.
Franco-German War, 240;
tidings of, 264, 573.
Franklin Peninsula, 548.
Fredericia (Schleswig), 264.
Frederickshaab, 247, 256–258.
Freeden Bay, 288, 293.
Friedrichsthal, 142, 165, 169, 172, 175–6, 181–204, 207, 211,
215–16, 227.
Frost-bites, 112, 117, 418.
Gael Hamkes Bay, 280, 299, 306–7, 310, 342–3, 354–356, 517, 520,
543.
Gammelgard, 229.
Geology, 167, 215, 289, 294, 306, 315–317, 355, 358, 361, 366,
428–9, 431–2, 435, 444, 461, 495, 535.
Germania, the, winters, 333–339.
Germania Bay, 334.
Harbour, 325, 334.
Germaniaberg, the, 325, 343, 388, 395, 400, 491, 523, 529, 539.
Glaciers, 133, 138, 140, 144, 215, 247, 255, 260, 265, 363–366,
378, 434, 488–9, 539.
Glasgow Island, 113.
Gnadau (Magdeburg), 180.
Gnats, 241–2, 247.
Good Friday, 437, 491.
Greenland, Life in, 179–182, 223, 225–227.
Music, &c., 190, 225–227.
Work, 190, 225.
Worship, 212, 239.
Grinnell Land, 578.
Griper Roads, 277.
Grossglockner, 365.
Gulf Stream, the, 38, 51, 65.
Halloway Bay, 113.
Hamburg, 264.
Hansa, Voyage of, 80–115.
Return of Crew, 116–261.
Hansa Bay, 343.
Haven, 164.
Harefield, the, 221, 226, 241.
Hares, 483, 525.
Härjulfsnäs, 196, 227.
Harpoons, 193.
Hasenberg, the, 325–327, 345, 400–1, 404, 426, 492.
Hayes, 474, 578.
Haystack, Mount, 495.
Peninsula, 428–9, 442.
Hefersteinberg, the, 492–494.
Heligoland, 572.
Helsingör, 262.
Herring Fishery, 215.
Herrnhuter Fraternity, 175–6, 226.
Hochstetter’s Promontory, 319, 426–428, 461.
Hollanderöe, 246.
Horrors, Bay of, 129.
Hühnerberg, the, 487–8, 492–3.
Hull, 153.
Ice sky, 63.
Blink, 63.
Foot, 487.
Icebergs, 123, 130, 132, 138–9, 143, 146, 151, 431, 434, 547, 561,
563.
Iceland, 65, 135–6, 572.
Igalliko, 228–238, 251.
Fjord (Eimar), 228, 235, 238–9.
Igalorsoeitsiak, 181.
Igdlopait, 182, 205–6, 211, 215–217.
Igikait, 196–7, 227.
Illuidlek, 155–157, 162, 164, 173.
Isersarnak, the, 211, 216.
Island of the World, 219.
Ivikät, 210–11, 249.
Ivimiut, 163–4.
Jackson Island, 540.
Jan Mayen, 52, 54–56, 73.
Jordan Hill, 362.
Island, 523.
Julianeshaab, 150, 182, 209, 216–7, 219, 241–245, 251–254.
Jvigtuk, 197.
Kaiser Franz-Joseph’s Fjord. _See_ Emperor Francis Joseph’s Fjord.
Kajaks, 193–195, 200, 216, 248–9, 259–60.
Kajalik, 195.
Kakorlok Fjord, 228–9.
Kaksiarsuk, 229, 259.
Kaksimiut, 247–249, 251, 253–4.
Kamiken, 181, 263.
Kane, 102, 333, 474, 578.
Kangerdleck Fjord, 165.
Kangerdlurksoeitsiak, 166.
Kaningesekasik, 166, 168.
Karisch Straits, 575.
Karsok Island, 218.
Kattegat, 262.
Kikertarsoeitsiak Island, 198.
King Charles’s Land, 576–7.
King William visits the Expedition, 24–5.
King William’s Land, 440.
Kingitok Island, 246.
Klentzer, his adventure with a bear, 395–397.
Koldewey Island, 429, 432–3.
Königin Augusta Thal. _See_ Queen Augusta Valley.
Königsbach, 175.
Kronenberg, the, 314, 451, 488, 492, 495.
Kryolite, 182, 202, 211, 249, 256, 258.
Kuhn Island, 312, 429, 450, 456, 459–461, 475–6, 486, 496, 502.
Lemmings, 347–8, 484.
Lichtenau, 182, 199, 203–219, 223.
Fjord, 166, 208.
Lichtenfels, 208, 223, 248.
Lindenau Fjord, 166.
Liverpool Coast, 105, 116, 120.
Loch Fine, 546.
Mackenzie Bay, 550.
Inlet, 544–546.
Peninsula, 552.
Malenefjeld, 256.
Matterhorn, the, 459.
McClintock, 102.
Missions and Missionaries, 175–6, 179, 184, 205–208, 217, 224, 239.
Mogul Race, 353.
Moravian Society, 183, 193.
Mosquitos, 544.
Mossel Bay, 577.
Murray Island, 105.
Musk-Oxen, 322, 325–329, 427–8, 455–457, 461, 474–477, 497–8, 503,
544.
Napersorsoak, 198 n.
Narksamiut Fjord, 175, 192, 196.
Narwhals, 81, 106, 267, 272, 485.
Natzek, 208.
Navigation, school of, 381.
Nennortalik, 182, 197, 203, 210, 220, 251.
Neptune, visit of, 46–48.
Newspaper, the East Greenland, 378–380.
New Year, 39, 126.
New Year’s Island, 128.
Nordkapers, 38. _See_ Dolphins.
Nordmeer, 37.
Norse buildings, 227, 231, 237.
Norse traditions, 184.
Norsemen, 176, 185, 196, 202–211, 212, 229.
North Cape, 64.
North Pole, 82, 309, 571–2, 575, 577–579.
North Sea, 37, 564.
Norway, 277.
Nova Zembla, 61, 65, 309–10, 575–6.
Nukarbik Bay, 142–3.
Island, 142.
Okusiksak, 215.
Olsen, 232.
Omarsuk Island, 219.
Omienarsuk Island, 163, 165.
Ornithology, 38, 41, 49–50, 63, 70, 73, 76, 82, 87, 93, 105, 137,
143–4, 275, 278–9, 347, 392, 484, 493, 505, 518–9, 525, 541–2,
544.
Ost (East) Pröven, 182.
Owak, 231.
Pamiadluk, 175.
Paraselene, 380.
Pardleet Island, 217, 245–6.
Parhelia, 92–3, 402, 417, 433.
Parry, Captain, 339.
Island, 577.
Passion Week observed, 435.
Pasterze, 365.
Pendulum Island, 83, 86, 88, 91, 278–9, 298, 301, 303–4, 306–7,
318, 326, 331, 334, 376, 402–3, 459, 486–488, 492–3, 496,
515, 529–30.
Straits, 496.
Peru Harbour, 246.
Peschel Island, 442.
Petermann Point, 561.
Pfingstkap Fjord, 165.
Polaris, the Voyage of the, 578.
Polynje, 575.
Prince Christian Sound, 168, 170, 184.
Provision holes, 514, 516;
Magazines, 525.
Pytheas, Sea-lungs of, 57.
Queen Augusta Valley, 305–6.
Ramsgate, 153.
Refraction, Effects of, 84, 139, 273–4, 294, 416.
Redekam, 229.
Reindeer, 280, 348, 476–478, 527, 544.
Rensselaer Harbour, 333.
Reynold’s Island, 105.
Rorquals, 44.
Roon Bay, 431, 433.
Ross, Captain, 338.
Ruthner, Mount, 499.
Sabine, 278–9, 515.
Island, 76, 84, 88, 91, 276, 279–80, 283, 302, 305, 308, 319,
321, 324–5, 426–7, 429, 448, 451, 491–2, 516, 529, 556.
Sattelberg, the, 305–6, 400, 459.
Peninsula, 358.
Schleswig and Holstein, 240.
Scoresby’s Sound, 116, 123, 432, 543.
Scurvy, 143.
Seals, 61–2, 70, 81, 85, 93, 144, 261, 268, 482–3.
Sedan, Battle of, 264.
Sedlevik Island, 171–173, 185.
Sermesok, 205.
Shannon Island, 86, 279, 282–289, 298–300, 308, 318–19, 334, 342,
376, 427–8, 459, 475, 531, 533, 564.
Straits, 496.
Shetland Islands, 262, 277, 572.
Siberia, 576.
Sinai, 100, 124.
Skagen, 262.
Skating, 92, 100–1.
Sledge-journeys, 155–162, 314–323, 394, 409, 464;
objects and results of, 412–432.
Sleeping-sack, 354, 419–421.
Sleeping under Tents, 419–422.
Smith’s Sound, 578–9.
Straits, 432.
Snow Blindness, 81, 150, 158, 457–8, 460, 492–3.
Snow Sphinx, 119.
Storms, 130–133, 371–376, 383–387, 403.
Spitzbergen, 61, 65, 82, 309, 577.
St. Silvester, 126, 390.
Storefjeld Mount, 221, 241.
Storm Bay, 435.
Storö, 219, 241.
Stufenberg, the, 295–6, 487, 493, 515.
Süd (South) Pröven, 182, 218, 220.
Sun, Midnight, 49;
reappearance of the, 400–402.
Tafelberg, the, 488.
Tellplatte, the, 487, 496–7, 530.
Islands, 291–293.
Temperatures. _See_ Table, p. 448.
Tents, 313, 419;
life in, 419–425.
Tent-rings, 513–4.
Tessermiut Fjord, 198 n., 205.
Teufelschloss. _See_ Devil’s Castle.
Texel, 102.
Tirol Fjord, 361–363, 367, 480.
Tnarsoit Island, 256.
Tornik, 188.
Torsukatek, Straits, 174, 256.
Umiaks, 193–195, 200, 248.
Unartok Fjord, 211.
Island, 211–12, 214.
Veegsteen, 214.
Vienna, Academy of Science, 575.
Walrus, the, 120–1, 280, 291, 357, 368–9, 478, 480–482, 487.
Walrus Island, 278, 305, 333, 341–344, 348, 376, 380, 402, 517.
Wangerooge, 572–3.
Weser River, 390, 571–573.
Whalers, 83–4, 266–7, 273.
Whales, 257, 485.
Wildspitze, the, 459.
Winter-house, Erection of, &c., 102–104, 111–114, 134–5.
Winter-quarters of the Germania, 334.
Wolves, 483–4.
Zoology, 32, 93, 271, 275, 347, 399.
GILBERT & RIVINGTON, Printers, St. John’s Square, and 28,
Whitefriars Street, E.C.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The contributions arising out of this appeal were to be forwarded
to Dr. Petermann, or to the Accountant of the Expedition, Mr. G.
Albrecht, in Bremen.
[2] The list of subscriptions is published in the _Geographische
Mittheilungen_ by Dr. Petermann.
[3] A day is the period between the sun’s departure from and return to
the same meridian. It is calculated from twelve noon to the next twelve
noon.
[4] By Dr. Pansch and Capt. Koldewey.
[5] From the 10th of July to the 1st of August we registered 368 hours
of fog, being seven-tenths of the whole time.
[6] Alca torda, L.
[7] Uria Brünnichii, Sab.; Uria grylle, L.; Mormon fratercula, Temm.;
and Mergulus alle, Viell.
[8] A glance at the surface is not sufficient to decide the real
colour of the water, as it is affected by the reflected colour of the
heavens. The influence of the latter must therefore be excluded; and we
therefore examined the water through a tube. A convenient arrangement
for the purpose offered itself in the opening for hauling in the screw.
[9] It is said that ships are sometimes half in blue and half in green
water.
[10] By comparison of the direct astronomical observations of position
with the partially indirect results obtained by the reckoning of the
log.
[11] Lord Dufferin and Karl Vogt were fortunate enough to catch a
glimpse of the wonderful snowy peak of the Beerenberg, rising isolated
to a height of 6863 feet. “My delight was that of an anchorite catching
a glimpse of the seventh heaven.” (Lord Dufferin, “Letters from High
Latitudes,” p. 139, 5th Ed.)
[12] Scoresby, “Account of the Arctic Regions,” i. 168. Also
Churchill’s “Collection of Voyages and Travels,” ii. 367–378.
[13] We signalled--“Come within hail.” The Hansa understood--“Long stay
a-peak.”
[14] This was confirmed later by the return voyage, through this water,
of the Germania on the 27th.
[15] On Sabine Island, at this time, there was fair weather; the storm
was therefore more of a local nature, whilst generally the Northern
storms rage the whole length of the coast.
[16] By Captain Hegemann.
[17] In reckoning by miles, nautical miles must be understood, four of
which go to one German mile.
[18] It must not be forgotten that Graah’s chronometer at that time had
become useless. (Graah, Narrative, &c., English Translation, p. 65.)
[19] By Captain Hegemann, with the assistance of Professor Laube and W.
Bade.
[20] Graah’s map gives Lat. 60° 52′ for Cape Discord. Our own
measurement determined it as 61° 0′.
[21] “Another family, consisting of six individuals, was established
on a point of land at Illuidlek, opposite Ivimiut.” Graah’s “Voyage to
Greenland,” p. 70.
[22] Is not this coppery colour due to the lichen which overlies the
granite, similar to the violet-coloured _Byssus iolithes_ of the
Brocken?
[23] This is the nautical term for the summons to dinner (eight bells),
and is still kept up at the seamen’s anniversary festivals in Bremen.
[24] In a particularly interesting letter from the missionaries,
received by our Society on the 4th of Nov., 1871, and written by A.
Gericke, Friedrichsthal, 22nd August, it is said,--“A short time since
a great number of the heathenish inhabitants of the east coast of
Greenland came to us to barter, as they are in the habit of doing in
some years. They said that they had seen the crew of the Hansa on the
ice-floe, but from terror at such an appearance on their desert shore
they had not ventured to go to them.”
[25] See the detailed account of East Greenland by Graah. “Voyage to
Greenland,” p. 114.
[26] By Professor Laube.
[27] “Tornik” is the plural of “Tunek,” originally the Esquimaux
name for the North American Indians a word, therefore, which the
Greenlanders have brought with them from North America. They apply it
now to fabulous creatures, who are supposed to dwell in the interior,
far from the coast. They are twice the size of men, though of human
form; and they are supposed to be generally hostile, though capable at
times of rendering good service. (Rink.)
[28] “Blanding” signifies a _half-breed_, and is the term commonly
used by the Danes all over Greenland.
[29] The height of this mountain was stated to us to be 12,000 feet,
which is considerably above the mark. The highest yet ascertained is
on the north-west coast, from 6000 to 7000 feet. The highest peak
(over 10,000 feet in height) was discovered by the Germania. In
Southern Greenland they reach scarcely 4000 feet. In the interior,
near the Tessermiut Fjord, is a mountain, to which they give the name
Napersorsoak. This has now been ascended by Europeans, and according to
Dr. Rink’s statement, is at the most 4000 feet high.
[30] A mineral peculiar to this locality, produced from soda, a kind
of clay much used in dying, from which Aluminium [? Alumina.--Tr.] and
other products may be extracted.
[31] By Professor Laube.
[32] _Betula nana_, L.
[33] _Salix herbacea_, _reticulata_, _arbuscula_.
[34] The chief place to which Kryolite is exported is Philadelphia,
though some cargoes go to Hamburg, where the material is further
prepared.
[35] By Professor Laube.
[36] It is a matter of great satisfaction to us that in news received
from Greenland from the Inspector-General of the Danish Colony, Herr
Rink, contained in a letter to Professor Laube, he expresses his regret
that such a person should have been in office at the time.
[37] By Professor Laube.
[38] _Mytilus edulis_, L. The Greenland name for this mollusk is
_Nilock_.
[39] A kind of wrapper made of European materials, which is drawn over
the fur dress.
[40] Kamiken appears to be a Polish word for some description of fur.
(Tr.)
[41] A glance at the chart will show that the Hansa, on her first
advance on the 22nd of July, was nearly on the same spot, but was
ice-blocked, and drifted to the south.
[42] According to our later observations the harbour time on this spot
was 12h. 0m., consequently high water on this day was at 6h. 41m.; the
current noticed must therefore be ascribed to some local influence,
especially as the tidal wave ran to the north.--_Koldewey._
[43] The question has been raised several times, especially inland,
as to why, being unable to advance along the land ice, I did not
re-enter the pack and work my way through it northwards, and, in a
higher latitude, again try to reach the coast. This is opposed to all
experience: it has long been known that in a stream of heavy ice, in
fact in the so-called pack, never, nor at any place, with the strongest
and best steamer, has any considerable progress been made without the
coast as a support. Had I wished to have reached the coast at a more
northerly point, I should have had to penetrate the ice-barrier, again
to steer along the northern border, and force my way into the pack
once more in 78°. Such a proceeding would certainly never have been
followed by the desired result, and it would have been unjustifiable
to give up a basis, reached with so much trouble, to follow a
phantom.--_Koldewey._
[44] About 940 English feet. (Tr.)
[45] The same appearance was also noticed by some of the Hansa men at
the beginning of November.
[46] By Captain Koldewey.
[47] I. e. Queen Augusta Valley. (Tr.)
[48] By Captain Koldewey and Lieutenant Payer.
[49] This Fjord had for the most part been free from ice in the summer.
The heat in the two summer months is here so great that it will melt
ice of seven feet thickness, which is not possible in the outer coast
in these latitudes. The ice outside the Fjord remained firm all the
summer.
[50] This fuel had to be sought under fresh fallen snow, whereby I had
a finger frost-bitten.
[51] By Dr. Pansch.
[52] I. e. Tide-hole. (Tr.)
[53] _Myodes torquatus_, Pall. “It can only be classed as a very
rare and local (possibly accidental) member of the Fauna of Greenland,
as it has never since being found in the country.”--_Proceedings of
Zoological Society of London_, 1868, p. 349.
[54] By Dr. Pansch.
[55] Beaufort scale of 0–12. Nine would indicate a rate of fifty-six
miles per hour.
[56] By these must be understood German _geographical_ miles, each
of which is equal to one-fifteenth of a degree.--Tr.
[57] December 31, Festival of Silvester, Bishop of Rome.
[58] By Dr. Pansch.
[59] From the slight effects produced by the bite of the animal, it
would appear that it was not full grown.
[60] This fur glove had so successfully resisted the gnawing of the
bear, that Börgen had some difficulty in finding where the incisors of
the brute had penetrated, and was able to wear it again without its
being mended. “The furrier, Jahns, is still living in Bremen,” writes
Dr. Copeland.
[61] Similarly Livingstone, who, on being torn by a lion, tells us
“There was no sense of pain nor feeling of terror. It was like what
patients partly under the influence of chloroform describe, who see all
the operation, but feel not the knife.”--Missionary Travels, S. Afr.,
p. 12.
[62] After Dr. Börgen had been for some time under Dr. Pansch’s hands,
he remembered that he had the pocket-chronometer (one of Felsing’s, of
Bremen) with him; so, as it had not come on board, Dr. Copeland and a
guard went in search of it, and found it fast frozen to the surface of
the ice. It had gone on for some time after its fall, but had stopped
at last, owing to the intensity of the cold. After warming it in the
hand, it went on again for some seconds.
[63] Börgen’s wounds healed and cicatrized rapidly. His youth and
vigorous constitution enabled him to throw off all the evil effects of
the bear’s seizure.
[64] By Lieut. Payer.
[65] Snow spectacles, on account of their fragility and metal
mountings, are particularly undesirable, as in intense cold they
burn the skin. Spectacles of india-rubber we found the best,
completely enclosing the eye, which is protected by very fine wire
gauze.--_Börgen._
[66] From loading and unloading the sacks, the hard bread carried with
us falls by degrees into dust.
[67] i. e. Secondary. (_Tr._)
[68] _Bessemer-fluth_ in the original. (_Tr._)
[69] Ellinger, with his aspirations and intelligence, might have become
a great support to the German Arctic Expedition, but he unfortunately
died shortly after its return. In December, 1870, he left Rotterdam
on a Dutch ship for Savannah, and after eleven days’ fever, in the
hospital of that place, he died on the 26th February, 1871. Besides
Payer every one connected with the Expedition gave him the most
excellent character. In the official report of the Committee for the
North German Expedition, in Bremen, on the 15th of July, 1871, it runs
thus:--“Captain Koldewey and Dr. Copeland made honourable mention of
Peter Ellinger, sailor on board the Germania during the second German
Expedition, and who is lately dead. The death of this young man--he was
only twenty-four--is still more to be deplored, as his whole conduct
during that time led us to suppose that he would eventually prove
an ornament to the German navy, not only from his cleverness in all
seaman’s work, but also for his great interest in all nautical science.
He thirsted for knowledge, and was very successful in meteorological
and magnetic observations, and also took part in surveying; and being
employed in all great undertakings, deserves the utmost thanks at the
hands of the Expedition.”
[70] In the interior they cannot exist, as the icing of the straits,
and the consequent departure of their only means of support, the walrus
and the seal, compels them to live on the coast.
[72] By Lieut. Payer.
[73] “Aussingen” is a seaman’s term for a peculiar rhythm, in time to
which the men pull.
[74] A cloudy atmosphere greatly favours this disease of the eyes, as
objects disappear, which serve as a resting-point or change.
[75] By Lieut. Payer and Dr. Copeland.
[76] In Greenland language, _Nennok_.
[77] The most northerly point at which a bear has been met with is 81°
30′ N. Lat. It was killed by some of Parry’s men on the pack-ice.
[78] It will be interesting to notice that the bear killed on the
7th of July, after having a ball ¹⁄₁₆ lb. through both lungs and the
thickest part of the heart, ran forward with powerful leaps for at
least sixty yards before it fell dead.
[79] Scoresby reports that once on the coast of Greenland he saw 100
bears, of which at least twenty might have been killed.
[80] In Greenlandish, _Terienniak_ and _Kakaka_.
[81] Between which there are varieties or cross-breeds.
[82] In Greenland language, _Umingmak_.
[83] The wool of a musk-ox would fill a moderate-sized
pillow.--_Tramnitz._
[84] The flesh of one of these animals not too old was quite free from
this taste, and could not be distinguished from our European beef;
and the milk, which I also tasted, was similar to the best European
cow-milk.--_Tramnitz._
[85] In the beginning of August, 1870, on the top of Cape Franklin,
Copeland observed traces of musk-oxen in the snow at a height of 4875
feet above the level of the sea, and on the 15th of September Copeland
and Wagner saw bear-tracks on the back of the Hasenberg, 1950 feet high.
[86] By Dr. Copeland and Dr. C. Börgen.
[87] By Dr. Pansch.
[88] By Captain Koldewey.
[89] By Captain Koldewey, Dr. Pansch, and First-Lieutenant Payer.
[90] By Captain Koldewey, First-Lieutenant Payer, and Dr. Pansch.
[91] And yet on the southern side of a block of rock we found melted
ice-water.
[92] By Captain Carl Koldewey.
[93] It consists of one or more unimportant islands of no great size.
[94] (?) Hocky, or bandy-stick. (_Tr._)
[95] This conjecture is supported by the fact, that in Ocean I., one
of the Kingsmill group in the South Pacific Ocean, a similar custom
prevails. Human teeth, thus bored, are used by the native women as
necklaces. (_Tr._)
[96] See Parry’s Journal, p. 286.
Transcriber’s Notes:
1. Obvious printers’, punctuation and spelling errors have been
corrected silently.
2. Where hyphenation is in doubt, it has been retained as in the
original.
3. Some hyphenated and non-hyphenated versions of the same words have
been retained as in the original.
4. Italics are shown as _xxx_.