At the beginning of the winter, shortly after the return of the sledge parties, the doctor and myself being busily engaged in the construction of a snow house on shore, observed a most brilliant meteor fall, apparently about a quarter of a mile from us, its course being from S.E. to N.W. It was of a bright emerald-green colour, and was falling so quietly and slowly that we at first thought it was a rocket, or Roman candle, let off by some one astern of the ship, it being distinctly visible for many seconds. When it arrived, in our estimation, at about forty feet from the ground, it suddenly burst, displaying bright red and green colours. It was seen by others, from different points of observation; all being unanimous in their opinion that it was one of the most beautiful sights, of the kind, they had ever witnessed.
[1] The word may not be formed on strictly accurate principles, but it is sufficiently expressive of the fact it is intended to represent, and it is now endeared to us by association and by common usage while serving in the far north.
CHAPTER XVII.
A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
| The old year dies on southern skies, And leafless woods that moan and quiver; The shadows creep o’er ocean deep, And silent lake and rustling river; And all is gloom around the tomb Of wasted moments, lost for ever. The new year gleams on silver streams, Where meadows smile in sunlit glances; The dark shades flee across the sea, And the wild wavelet laughs and dances; And all is bright where new-born light Brings hope to man and golden chances. O happy year! that tells us here The same sweet, ever-welcome story, That soon, so soon! one radiant noon Shall plunge in light yon summits hoary, That point our way through endless day To joyous triumphs, home, and glory. H. W. Pullen, |
H.M.S. “Alert,”
January 1st, 1876.