stefansson-wrangel-09-32-103v

406 THE ADVENTURE OF WRANGEL ISLAND

beyond the fact that the side presented to us seemed to consist for the
greater part of its length of cliffs or steep slopes. On one occasion there
appeared to be a decided gap, separating the land into two distinct parts;
but, whether due to defects in visibility near the surface or not, this was
not generally noticeable. It was impossible for us to make even a rough
estimate of the distance of the supposed land; but the height at the

highest point appeared slightly less than that of Herald Island, although,
of course, the fact that it was much farther distant than Herald would
mean that this lower altitude was apparent rather than real.

Perhaps I cannot do better than give you an extract of a few brief
notes bearing on this, under dates when the land was seen, together
with a rough sketch of the outline and weather notes for each day.

Wednesday, June 17, 1914

Appearance of land in direction of Herald Island, bearing roughly
ENE. Apparently much farther off (than Herald Island).

Weather—calm; light airs. Completely overcast in early morn-
ing; clear all day thereafter.

Friday, June 19

The island again shows up clearly with unchanged appearance. If
land, it is something new and uncharted.

Weather—wind south, light to strong breeze. Cloud—few stray
cirrus.

Saturday, June 20

Our island again showed up clear and unchanged. Hadley and I
have decided to name it Borden Land.

Weather—wind south, variable from light to strong. Cloud—
few Ci.