I hoped that this would continue unchecked, since our chance of getting clear of the pack early in the spring appeared to depend upon our making a good northing.

Soundings at this time gave depths of from 186 to 190 fathoms, with a glacial mud bottom.
No land was in sight.

The light was improving.

A great deal of ice- pressure was heard and observed in all directions during the 25th, much of it close to the port quarter of the ship.

On the starboard bow huge blocks of ice, weighing many tons and 5 ft.