Whenever any one was inclined for a little sport, he took up his bow and arrows, and retiring to a dark corner of the cabin, watched for a shot.

Davie Summers acquired the title of Nimrod in consequence of his success in this peculiar field.
At first the rats proved a capital addition to the dogs' meals, but at length some of the men were glad to eat them, especially when fresh meat failed altogether, and scurvy began its assaults.

White or Arctic foxes, too, came about the ship sometimes in great numbers, and proved an acceptable addition to their fresh provisions; but at one period all these sources failed, and the crew were reduced to the utmost extremity, having nothing to eat except salt provisions.

Notwithstanding the cheering influence of the sun, the spirits of the men fell as their bodily energies failed.

Nearly two-thirds of the ship's company were confined to their berths.