ship, or at all weaken the respect of the men towards their superiors.  But an occupation which was of benefit as much to the mind as to the body, was found in the establishment of a school on board each of the ships.  These were superintended by Mr. Hooper, in the Hecla, and Mr. Mogg, in the Fury.  The men gladly seized this opportunity of instruction which was afforded them, and in many a long winter evening the lower deck was made a scene of rational employment, which was not only a lasting benefit to themselves, but assisted materially in passing away the time, which otherwise would have hung heavily on their hands.

We cannot refrain here from offering a few observations upon the good results of education to the seaman.

In the beginning of the present century, and even in a much later date, the majority of our seamen could neither read nor write; in the present day it is quite the reverse.  We may affirm, without exaggeration, that two-thirds of them are more or less educated.  Experience has taught those placed at the head of naval affairs the advantages arising from the improvement of the minds of the seamen of our navy; every ship has now a seaman schoolmaster, and a well selected library; and there is no doubt that the moral effect thus produced, adds in no small degree to the preservation of that discipline which is so necessary for the comfort and welfare of a ship’s company.

In corroboration of the above, we cannot do better than quote the words of Sir Edward Parry:—­’And I do not speak lightly when I express my thorough persuasion that to the moral effect thus produced upon the minds of the men were owing to a very high degree the constant yet sober cheerfulness, the uninterrupted good order, and even in some measure the extraordinary state of health which prevailed among us during winter.’

With the amusement before mentioned, varied now and then, as the days grew longer, by the excitement of killing a bear, entrapping foxes, or shooting grouse, the men continued to pass the winter months.  To the officers, higher and more intellectual enjoyments were afforded by making observations, studying astronomy, and witnessing the brilliant appearance of the Aurora Borealis.

About the end of March, or beginning of April, 1825, thin flakes of snow, lying upon painted wood or metal, exposed to the sun’s direct rays, began to melt.  These signs of returning spring were hailed as indications of their approaching deliverance from their winter quarters.  Towards the middle of June, information was brought that the sea was clear of ice about twenty miles from Port Bowen.  On the 12th of July, the ice began to break away, leaving the ship about one mile and a quarter from the open sea.  All hands were set to work to saw through this barrier, the men being employed from seven in the morning, till seven in the evening.  On the 19th, after the most incessant labour, which was performed with the greatest cheerfulness and alacrity, Captain Parry had the satisfaction of seeing the two vessels once more floating in their proper element.