also. The
Musk ox gave the hunters some sport, and Doctor Moss records that all
the animals met with, though presumably they had never seen man before,
were afraid of the party, thus contradicting the popular notion that
animals which have never seen man are not afraid of him.

At this stage of the journey excellent winter quarters were found for
the _Discovery_. The retreat of the ships had been secured. Orders
were for the _Discovery_ to remain in or about the eighty-second
parallel. Such a situation was now found. The _Discovery_ therefore
remained just north of Lady Franklin Strait, on the opposite side of
Hall's Basin, to that on which the _Polaris_ wintered.

On the 26th of August the _Alert_ proceeded alone into Robeson Channel,
but got into difficulties with the ice, which bore down on the ship in
tremendous masses. But fortunately she found shelter, and escaped
destruction. Any further progress appeared impossible, so preparations
were made for forming the winter quarters near at hand. As September
had come the sledges were got ready, and Commander Markham set out with
stores to establish a depot for the spring exploring parties farther
north. The party returned in three weeks frost-bitten and exhausted,
but they had accomplished their mission. Lieutenant Aldrich had also
come back, but reported 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.