in this remote
part of the globe were they destined to remain, in all probability,
for nine months, during the greater part of which they would not see
the light of the sun.

To the seaman, whose happiness is dependent upon a life of excitement
and adventure, such a change must be almost insupportable. As far as
the eye could reach, nothing was to be seen but trackless wilds of
snow; an awful stillness reigned around; even the indigenous animals
had for a time fled; and out of his ship, which is the world to him,
not a living creature breathed in this dreary desert. In order to
procure occupation and amusement for the men, it was necessary to hit
upon some expedient to keep their spirits from flagging. This was
found, by a proposal from Captain Hoppner, that they should attempt a
masquerade, in which both officers and men should join. The happy
thought was at once seized upon, the ship's tailor was placed in
requisition, admirably dressed characters were enacted, and mirth and
merriment rang through the decks of the Hecla. These reunions took
place once a month, alternately on board each ship, and not one
instance is related of anything occurring which could interfere with
the regular discipline of the 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 th