Finding that the harbour in which the ships were anchored possessed all the necessary qualifications for rendering the winter quarters of a vessel in the Arctic Regions comfortable and secure, Captain Nares selected this spot as the place in which he would leave the "Discovery." It appeared in every way adapted for this purpose. A secure harbour, possessing two narrow entrances, with the water so shallow as to effectually prevent the larger and heavier pieces of ice from drifting into it, with a neighbourhood covered with a more luxuriant and richer vegetation than had hitherto been seen, and giving evidences of being well stocked with game--for, in addition to the musk oxen, numerous and recent traces of wolves, foxes, hares, and lemmings had been observed--the place seemed especially suited for passing the winter in; and its selection as the winter quarters of our consort was never regretted. We all feel that the navigable season is rapidly drawing to a close, and that very few more days are left us. During the last week the temperature has never been above the freezing point; and the young ice has been forming to an alarming extent, even at midday. An advance, if farther advance is to be made, will be better and more speedily accomplished with one ship only, than by having two to look after. The responsibility is lessened, whilst the knowledge that there is another ship to fall back upon, in case of accidents, removes all anxiety. When the decision that the two ships were to part company was promulgated, it was received with satisfaction, although we were all sorry to lose the companionship of our numerous friends. The evening was spent in an interchange of visits, and many a sincere and fervent "God speed," with a silent but expressive squeeze of the hand, was exchanged between the officers and the men of the two Arctic ships. In order to strengthen our force on board the "Alert," and to have an extra sledge party for the purpose, if required, of communicating with our consort, an officer, Lieutenant Rawson, and seven men were received from the "Discovery;" the only thing that we were able to give in exchange being 900 lbs. of the musk oxen just procured--a by no means despicable offering! Everything having been satisfactorily arranged, the "Alert" steamed away from Discovery Harbour on the morning of the 26th, exchanging hearty cheers with her consort as she passed; she hoisting the signal "May Providence prosper your efforts," to which we replied "Happy Winter;" and thus we separated, happy in the knowledge that a safe refuge was established in our rear, with the unknown before us, fervently praying for a successful issue to our undertaking. CHAPTER X. THE CROSSING OF THE THRESHOLD.