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expanse of field-ice fifty miles in extent, we were surrounded. It varied from two to five feet in thickness, viz. from eight inches to a foot and a half above the water, and was interspersed wlth icebergs, some of them comparatively small, and others of tremendous size and altitude. By the divine blessing upon nautical skill and presence of mind, we were a second time extricated from this besieging and paralyzing mass; but our path still lay through clusters and hosts of icebergs, which covered the whole sea around us. The Captain, who had not left his post of responsibility during the night, reported between three and four hundred distinct ones, visible to the naked eye. There they were, of all forms and sizes, and careering in every direction. Their general aspect was vitreous, or of a silvery whiteness, except when a sunbeam pierced the mist; then they loomed up, and radiated with every hue of the rainbow, striking out turrets, and columns, and arches, like solid pearl and diamond, till we were transfixed with wonder at the terribly beautiful architecture of the northern deep.

The engine of the Great Western accommodated itself every moment, like a living and intelligent thing, to the commands of the Captain. "Half a stroke!" and its tumultuous action was controlled; "a quarter of a stroke!" and its breath seemed suspended; "stand still!" and our huge bulk lay motionless upon the waters, till two or three of the icy squadron drifted by us; "let her go!" and with the velocity of