BATHYBIA.
on, the more real did this phenomenon appear, so that every one was fired with a new enthusiasm. The sledges no longer seemed to offer any resistance, so that we pressed onwards at a brisk pace for two days.
The S. W. middle current wind, so prevalent to the north, had now cut out, and the warmer south-seeking anti-trade came down to the plateau level, helping us onward. Some miles ahead a fog bank hanging low upon the land obscured the horizon.
On the morning of the third day, we felt a crisis was close at hand, as the sky in front contrasted strongly with the uniform ice blink we were now leaving behind. The temperatures perceptibly rose as we came up to the fog bank. The tiny particles of ice floating in the air and producing the fog, were now so much more abundant that it was impossible for us to see more than about 100 yards ahead. The increased temperature was due, evidently, to liberation of latent heat set free by separation of the fog particles.
Camp had been pitched and the ‘hoosh’ served, when the hungry Scotchman was interrupted in his occupation of devouring any remaining tit-bits, by a shout from without. Enquiring heads appeared from the tents, and amongst the turmoil that ensued could be heard cries of, —‘The Bottomless Pit,’-‘Gehenna.’-
