A jacket made very long, like those called by seamen
"pea-jackets," and lined with fur throughout, would be more effectual
than twice the weight of woollen clothes, and is, indeed, almost
weather-proof. For the prevention of lumbago, to which our seamen are
especially liable, from their well-known habit of leaving their loins
imperfectly clothed, every man should be strictly obliged to wear, under
his outer clothes, a canvass belt a foot broad, lined with flannel, and
having straps to go over the shoulder.[006]
It is certain, however, that no precautions in clothing are sufficient
to maintain health during a Polar winter, without a due degree of warmth
in the apartments we inhabit. Most persons are apt to associate with the
idea of warmth, something like the comfort derived from a good fire on a
winter's evening at home; but in these regions the case is
inconceivably different: here it is not simple comfort, but health, and,
therefore, ultimately life, that depends upon it. The want of a constant
supply of warmth is here immediately followed by a condensation of all
the moisture, whether from the breath, victuals, or other sources, into
abundant drops of water, very rapidly forming on all the coldest parts
of the deck.
Pages:
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157