However, those blocks which are easily distinguished by their greenish colour and their perfect transparency are preferable.

They are solidified rain, and therefore much more suitable for drinklng-water.
Without doubt, our captain would have recognized any blocks of this description, but none were to be found on the glacier, owing to its being that part of the berg which was originally submerged, and came to the top after the fall.
The captain and West decided first to lighten the vessel, by conveying everything on board to land.

The masts were to be cleared of rigging, taken out, and placed on the plateau.

It was necessary to lighten the vessel as much as possible, even to clear out the ballast, owing to the difficult and dangerous operation of launching.

It would be better to put off our departure for some days if this operation could be performed under more favourable circumstances.