The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-11-05
LABRADOR ICEBERGs.
Gorgeous Specimens Of Damo M
turo's Handiwork.
Splendors of tho Frozen Dcep M yl.xyo,
an tho Summer Seas OF tho
Far North-Grap,ic
Pictures.

IRON Battle IIarbor for one hum
drcd miles north the coast is nearly
straight and the sea is deep close under
the high cliffs. Here we found ono
magnificent procession of iccbcrgs from
the northcrnohorizon," says writer in
tho New York Sun, "whcrc they nd
pcarcd merely as glittcring white
spcclSs, to where they disappeared in
tho south. Frequently these bcrgs arc
at such regular distance from each
other that they present the appearance
ora great line of battlc-ships drawn ND
Tor action. From the open ocean some
OF these bcrgs arc carried by the tidal
currents into the narrow passages be-
tween the islands, where they become
finally stranded. When the bcrgs break
Off from the parent glaciers in Green
land they have more or less rectungu-
lar outline, and if, while they continue
floating in the open sea, any consider
able part is broken off or mclts away,
they rotate and assume another position
of staple equilibrium. But when they
arc once stranded they arc held fast,
and arc sculpturcd by the sea waves
and the hot air of summer. believe,
therefore. that on no other part of the
COASTS of all the wide seas whcrc ice
bcrgs appear can such fantastic forms
be witnessed as we behold on this por.
ton of the coast of Labrador. Occasion
ally Il berg is carried in by tidal cur
rent until the existence of salt water
would hardly be imagined except for
the white towering spirc of such {; mass
Of ice.
"At one such sheltered haven, proper
ly called Snug harbor,' we witnessed
one of these remarkable forms. The
sea had planned away the upper portion
of the berg SO that the ice was covered
with sea water three or four feet in
depth, which assumed in the clear light
hue of rich emerald green From
this submerged platform arose Il pyra-
mid of ice one hundred and fifty feet
high. The base was one grand arch,
and as we approached near to it we
found the melting ice pouring over the
archway curtain of falling rain. From
another portion Of this same submerged
platform rose an Obclisll of ice higher
than the Egyptian obclisll in Central
park. The ship steamed very near it in
order that we might get series OF pho
tographs of this remarkable berg. a
short distance further north n fellow
voyagcr, who came al the way from
England to study these natural won
dcrs, called out to me to como forward
and sec n cathedral in crystal Such
indeed it was. We estimated its length
to hc n quarter of mile. The Catholic
cathedral on Fifth avenue is located on Il
block about four hundred feet in length.
If one will imagine this extended to be-
,.tn &c L., I.
n faithful picture of the view then be-
gforc us. First rose two spires to a
height of ut least two hundred feet.
Then came the body of the structure,
and grand rounded dome, surmountcd
by another spirc and series of square
building-likc masses, which my Episco-
pal friend explained was the dcancry
AS we steamed by the high spires took
on change of form and assumed OK
actly the outline of an immense statue
of the Virgin Mary, with the hands OK
tended as if comforting Il blessing on
those who were passing by. In COM
parison with this our own statue of
Liberty Enlightcning the World was
of very moderate Dimensions. 1t would
well have repaid any lover of the won
'dcgful in nature to make the entire
journey to witness these two bcrgs
The surface of these bergs mclts SO
rapidly that they almost appear as if
coated with oil, and hence are perfect
mirrors for any light in the sky 1t is
n common experience to all people to
have been surprised ut sunset by n
bright flash of flame from n neighbor-
ing hill or mountain. We all know it
to be only the reflection of the setting
sun from the small window of some
building. In the northern chimes, where
the days are long, the twilight not only
fingers, but stretches itself for many
degrees along either side of the setting
sun.
eve were coursinG to the north, and
would soon pass a huge berg. The
water around us was SO dark as to be
nearly black. 1t became of al apple
green hue where it rose over the sub
merged platform of the ice, and broke
in n line of white foam against the
sides of the white berg. In moment
more the ship had reached the right
position for the great mass of ice to be-
come mirror, and instantly the berg
reflected all the colors of the setting
sun, and became Il glowing ruby of
mountain size. Such an effect I have
never seen in any of the arctic paint
ings which l have been privileged to
study
ION our return through these intri-
cate passages the winding lanes of
water were lighted up with the full
moon that made q broad band of silver
over the quiet sea. Suddenly out
OF the surrounding darkness there
came bright light. Bishop Williams,