ed by which the lower currents of the water could be pumped
up for the purposes of the bath; thus rendering the process far more
tolerable than it had previously been. Bathing in extremely cold weather,
however, is not as formidable a thing as is generally supposed, the air
being at a lower temperature than the water. As the greatest importance
was attached to these daily ablutions, the subject was gone over between
the two masters in all its bearings. There were no conveniences for the
operation at the wreck; and this was one reason why Roswell suggested that
a residence there ought to be abandoned. Daggett dissented, and invited
his companion to take a walk in his caverns.
A promenade in a succession of caves formed of ice, with the thermometer
at zero, would naturally strike one as a somewhat chilling amusement.
Gardiner did not find it so. He was quite protected from the wind, which
gives so much pungency to bitter cold, rendering it insupportable.
Completely protected from this, and warmed by the exertion of clambering
among the cakes. Roswell's blood was soon in a healthful glow; and, to own
the truth, when he left the wreck, it was with a much better opinion of it
as a place of residence, than when he had arrived to pay his visit.
As there was now nothing for the men to do in the way of preparation,
modes of amusement were devised that might unite activity of body with
that of the mind. The snows ceased to fall as the season advanced; and
there were but few places on which heavy burthens might not have been
transported over their crusts. It was, indeed, easier moving about on the
surface of the frozen snow, than it had been on the naked rocks: the
latter offering obstacles that no longer showed themselves. Sliding down
the declivities, and even skating, were practised; few northern Americans
being ignorant of the latter art. Various other sources of amusement were
resorted to; but it was found, generally, that very little exercise in the
open air exhausted the frame, and that a great difficulty of breathing
occurred. Still, it was thought necessary to health that the men should
remain as much as possible out of the crowded house; and various projects
were adopted to keep up the vital warmth while exposed. Ere the month of
July had passed, which corresponds to our January, it had been found
expedient to make dresses of skins; for which fortunately the materials
abounded.
As the season advanced, the idea of pre
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