This movement has brought us amongst floes of decidedly smaller area and the pack has loosened considerably.

A visit to the crow's nest shows great improvement in the conditions.

There is ice on all sides, but a large percentage of the floes is quite thin and even the heavier ice appears breakable.

It is only possible to be certain of conditions for three miles or so--the limit of observation from the crow's nest; but as far as this limit there is no doubt the ship could work through with ease.

Beyond there are vague signs of open water in the southern sky.