The
diatoms cannot multiply without light, and the ice formed since
February can be distinguished in the pressure-ridges by its clear blue
colour. The older masses of ice are of a dark earthy brown, dull
yellow, or reddish brown."
The break-up of our floe came suddenly on Sunday, August 1, just one
year after the 'Endurance' left the South-West India Docks on the
voyage to the Far South. The position was lat. 72° 26? S., long. 48°
10? W. The morning brought a moderate south-westerly gale with heavy
snow, and at 8 a.m., after some warning movements of the ice, the floe
cracked 40 yds. off the starboard bow. Two hours later the floe began
to break up all round us under pressure and the ship listed over 10
degrees to starboard. I had the dogs and sledges brought aboard at
once and the gangway hoisted. The animals behaved well. They came
aboard eagerly as though realizing their danger, and were placed in
their quarters on deck without a single fight occurring. The pressure
was cracking the floe rapidly, rafting it close to the slip and forcing
masses of ice beneath the keel. Presently the 'Endurance' listed
heavily to port against the gale, and at the same time was forced
ahead, astern, and sideways several times by the grinding floes. She
received one or two hard nips, but resisted them without as much as a
creak.
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