CHAPTER VII.
We found, as we drifted to the south-west, that 1842
Jan. 26.the pack gradually opened, and we got amongst a much lighter kind of ice, the wind freshened to a gale from the northward, but did not seem to increase the swell. We furled the mainsail, and, with the topsails on the cap, bored our way before the wind through the lighter ice at an increased rate. The weather was foggy, with frequent snow showers, so that generally we could see only to a short distance before us; occasionally intervals of clear weather occurred, and afforded us a more extended view, during which we could select the most promising leads, and avoid the bergs: these were fortunately less numerous, much smaller, and not of the flat-topped barrier kind. Towards noon, we came to several holes of water from a quarter to half a mile in diameter, which confirmed our hope that the clear sea was not far distant to the southward; the favouring wind having died away to a very light breeze, we once more made all sail upon both ships. The rest of the day was passed with but little advantage; still, however, struggling forward with the assistance of warping and towing, as opportunities offered.
