The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-03-09
Spitzbergen FlOe-ice.

/ am glad to say that f1Oe-ice is not q
native of our country, being the frozen
Spitzbergen sea breaking up in spring
storms, and then carried down by the
north wind along the east side of Green
land, and afterwards rounding Cape
Farewell. 1t flows rapidly or slowly,
according to the strength of winds and
current, along our inhabited west coast
side, being either benefit to us or an i'm
mense nuisance, which of these qualities
depends upon the following circum-
stances: If the ice masses keep at a re-
spectacle distance they are hailed as
friends by the Greenlanders, as they
bring along with them sea animals of
different kinds in large abundance, es-
pecially seals and walruses, but some
times even bears, and they also protect
the bold seal-hunter on his dangerous
chase, by forming an impenetrable bar
rier against the heavy surf of the ocean.
So much for the ice masses-our friends
Foes, we call them, when too intruding
in private localities; when, for instance,
they enter the inlets and channels and
fill up our boat and ship passages, SO
much as to prevent even the small kay
AXIS from getting through with messages
to neighboring places. In such cases we
call them hard times with the ice. In
the otherwise beautiful summer of 1856
our enemy for long while was barri-
cading all ports between Julianchaab and
Godhaab. But have not yet done with
the description. The heavy masses con-
tinually coming in violent mutual con-
tact, as we'll as being constantly subject
to the influence of the surf, are incessant-
ly changing into all manner of shapes
and sizes, which is very interesting to OBJ
serve. For instance, there may be a
floating castle, really picturesque, but,
contrary to custom, you may detect a
streamlet or fall pouring down from a
tower or windowsll of the castle. This
past, we row alongside mile wide
track, smooth as house floor, and our
oarsmen in such cases are sure to remark,
"IHa kittiqfssak angin,at!" What nice
place for dancingD Then, again, are
colossal sphinxes and pyramids, slender
vases of all sizes, chairs and tables of
antique, as we'll as modern shape, arm
chairs with or without old men leaning
back in them, swans gracefully diving
on the surface, colossal witches, blue
grOttoes, and so forth. If, now, we were
only sure that this curious museum
would keep quiet, as is often the case, it
would afford immense enjoyment to in
vestigate its various contents, but as the
objects generally are in state of great
agitation-a witch, for instance, every
now and then sailing down upon sphinx
after having on PEASANT upset several
Etruscan vases-we in the frail boats may
as we'll be prepared for the attack of
some giant; in truth, seriously speaking,
where winds and waves drive about these
huge masses at their will, one runs the
risk of being crushed, although the dan
ger is generally avoided by the expert.
ness of the natives. have often heard
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS happy
hair breadth escape from the ice noun
tains or ice pieces clasping together just
behind us; yet have no disagreeable
recollection of such scenes-when travel
ing in Greenland, quite unavoidable; the
critical moment being over, the feeling
OF safety was such delightful feeling
Geographical Magazine.