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4 which, however, kept constantly changing. Sometimes it would appear of a bright red, then portions of it would become obscured by dark patches these in turn to give way to a paler red or crimson. Of course we did not know, but we conjectured that beyond where we were standing there was probably more land and more sea.

The winter was long, dreary, and monotonous; still, the prospect of being able to explore the land and neighbouring seas during the next summer kept us in good cheer. We had plenty of provisions, and felt quite satisfied that we could weather the remainder of this desolate season; yet at times we could not help feeling uneasy, for the nearest volcano, which was only about three-quarters of a mile distant from our ship, became continually more and more active, the thundering louder and more frequent, and the flames ascended higher into the heavens. We did not feel at all safe, and began to seriously consider the idea of leaving the ship and forming a camp on the land, at a greater distance away from the cause of our trouble.

We felt confident the ice was becoming thinner, and had already dissolved beneath the vessel. So it was arranged to hold a council of the whole