To conclude with the grand Palæocrystic Sledging Chorus, by the
entire strength of the house.

To commence at 7.30 precisely.

God save the Queen.

Messrs. Giffard and Symons, Printing office, Trap Lane.

This chapter would be incomplete without the words of the “Grand Palæocrystic Sledging Chorus.”

This was also composed by our talented poet laureate, and was most enthusiastically received by the whole ship’s company, who vociferously joined in singing it on all appropriate, and other, occasions.

It brought in the names of all the sledges that were employed in the early part of the spring campaign, and became henceforth, as it were, the “Arctic National Anthem.”

Chorus.

Not very long ago, On the six-foot floe Of the palæocrystic sea, Two ships did ride, Mid the crashing of the tide— The Alert and the Discovery. The sun never shone The gallant crews upon For a hundred and forty-two days; But no darkness and no hummocks Their merry hearts could flummox: So they set to work and acted plays. There was music and song To help the hours along, Brought forth from the good ship’s store; And each man did his best To amuse and cheer the rest: And “nobody can’t do more.”

Air—“The Shannon and the Chesapeake.”