IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)
/.
1.0
I.I
12.2
ill 1.8
1.25
U j ,6
■• 6"
►
^
m
%
7
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WIST MAIN STRUT
WHSTIR.N.Y. MSIO
(716) •73-4503
CIHM/ICMH
Microfiche
Series.
CIHM/ICMH
Collection de
microfiches.
Canadian Instituta for Historical Microraproductions / Institut Canadian da microraproductions hittoriquas
<\
'<^
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques
The CO
to the
The Institute has attempted to obtain the best
original copy available for filming. Features of this
copy which may be bibliographically unique,
which may alter any of the images in the
reproduction, or which may significantly change
the usual method of filming, are checked below.
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Coloured covers/
Couverture de couleur
I I Covers damaged/
Couverture endommag6e
Covers restored and/or laminated/
Couverture restaurte et/ou pelliculte
r~l Cover title missing/
Le titre de couverture manque
r~1 Coloured maps/
Cartes gAographiques en couleur
Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/
Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire)
Coloured plates and/or illustrations/
Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur
Bound with other material/
ReliA avec d'autres documents
Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion
along interior margin/
La re liure serrAe peut causer de I'ombre ou de la
distortion le long de la marge IntArieure
Blank leaves added during restoration may
appear within the text. Whenever possible, these
have been omitted from filming/
II se peut que certaines pages blanches aJoutAes
lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texts,
mais, lorsque cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont
pas 4t« filmAes.
Additional comments:/
Commentaires supplAmentaires:
L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire
qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details
de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du
point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier
une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une
modification dans la methods normale de filmage
sont indiquAs ci-dessous.
□ Coloured pages/
Pages de couleur
n
D
D
D
Pages damaged/
Pages endommag6es
Pages restored and/or laminated/
Pages restauries et/ou pellicultes
Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/
Pages d^colortes, tacheties ou piqu^es
Pages detached/
Pages ditachtes
Showthrough/
Transparence
[Tyl Quality of print varies/
Quality InAgale de I'impression
Includes supplementary material/
Comprend du materiel supplAmentaire
Only edition available/
Seule Edition disponible
Pages wholly or partlallv obscured by errata
slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to
ensure the best possible image/
Les pages totalement ou partiellement
obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure,
etc., ont 4t4 filmAes A nouveau de fagon A
obtenir la meilleure image possible.
The in
possib
of the
filmin]
Origin
beginr
the lai
sion, (
other
first p
sion, I
or illu)
The la
shall c
IINUE
which
Maps,
diffen
entirel
begini
right I
requir
meth<
This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/
Ce document est fllmA au taux de reduction indiquA ci-dessous.
10X 14X 18X 22X
26X
30X
/
^^^m BH^H^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^H ^^^^^H ^^^^^^ ^^^^MH ^^H^^H ^^^^HH i^H^i^H ^^^^^^ ^^^^^
12X
16X
20X
a4X
28X
32X
aire
t details
|ues du
t modifier
iger une
filmage
The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanlcs
to the generosity of:
Metropolitan Toronto Library
Canadian History Dapartment
The images appearing here are the best quality
possible considering the condition and legibility
of the original copy and in keeping with the
filming contract specifications.
L'exemplaire filmA fut reproduit grAce h la
gintrositA de:
Metropolitan Toronto Library
Canadian History Dapartment
Les images suivantes ont AtA reproduites avec le
plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et
de la nettetA de l'exemplaire film4, et en
conformity avec les conditions du contrat de
filmage.
u6es
Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed
beginning with the front cover and ending on
the last page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All
other original copies are filmed beginning on the
first page with a printed or illustrated impres-
sion, and ending on the last page with a printed
or illustrated impression.
Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en
papier est imprimAe sont filmAs en commen^ant
par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la
derniAre page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration, soit pa: le second
plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires
'^riginaux sont filmAs en commenpant par la
t^remlAre page qui comporte une empreinte
d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par
la dernidre page qui comporte une telle
empreinte.
The last recorded frame on each microfiche
shall contain the symbol — ^ (meaning "CON-
TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"),
whichever applies.
Un des symboles suivants apparaftra sur la
dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le
cas: le symbols — »> signifie "A SUIVRE", le
symbols V signifie "FIN".
aire
ly/laps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at
different reduction ratios. Those too large to be
entirely included in one exposure are filmed
beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to
right and top to bottom, as many frames as
required. The following diegrams illustrate the
method:
Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre
filmAs A des taux de rAduction diffArents.
Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre
reproduit en un seul clichA, il est filmA A partir
de i'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite.
et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre
d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants
illustrent la mAthode.
by errata
ned to
ent
une peiure,
fagon A
1
2
3
32X
1
2
3
4
5
6
:^&^'
:■'»
-'-X'-'^'l
DESCRIPTION
OF
Messrs MARSHALL'S GRAND P£RISTR£PHIC PANORAMA
OF TH£
POLAR REGIONS ;
TVUICa DISPLAYS
THE NORTH COAST
or
NOW EXHIBITING
IN THE >^»^" ynr nrnr,rrT i,n iii^nnT^^y nrrrm^^
Painted from Dnwings taken by Lieut. Beechct, who
ACCOMPANIED THE POLAR EXPEDITION IN 1818;
And Messrs Ross and Saccheitse, who accompanied
TIIF. EXPEDITION TO DISCOVER A NORTH-WEST PASSAGl^
Where undissolving from the first of time.
Snows swell on snows amazing to the sky ;
And icy mountains high on mountains piled.
Seem to the shivering saiior from afar.
Shapeless and white, an atmosphci« of clouds,
Projected huge and horrid o'er the surge.
LEITH:
PRINTED OY WILLIAM IIBRIOT, QUALITY STREET.
1831.
^ricc Sixpence,
TO UR HAD AT THE PANORAM.<t.
DESCRIPTION
OF TUE
Nortlj ©oaisit A Spitiftierfien, &c.
VIEW I.
Subject — The Dorothea, Captain Buchan, in the vicinity of
Cloven Cliff, forcing her way to the edge of the Barrier of
Ice, <S*c.
On ^e left of the spectator, is the Dorothea, Captain
Buchan, in tlie act of forcing her way to the edge of the
barrier. She is supposed to be nippedi between two floes of
ice, which are closing, and inclining her over, on one side ;
on the other side of the Dorothea, in the distance, is part
of the barrier of ice, which extends from Spitzbergen to
Greenland ; on the right, in the foreground, arc Captain
Buchan and Lieutenant Franklin, consulting together on
their future proceedings ; beyond whom, a little to the left,
are Mr Fisher the Astronomer, and other officers, making
observations on the latitude, longitude, variation of the com-
pass, and dip of the needle, previous to their departure to
the westward, in which quarter it was determined again to
seek a passage, and In the event of failure, to proceed round
South Cape to the eastward of Spitzbergen : on the extreme
right over a huge piece of ice, are some of the Larus Glacu-
ous, or Glacuous Gull.* In the foreground are immense
masses of ice, fragment upon fragment, some of them higher
than the main mast, beautifully illuminated with the rays
of the sun,-{* which is seen above the horizon.
■ ■■■ ■! IIIM . I ■■■Ml 11 — ^^^^^^.^— ^■^■M [■■■I 11 ■ ! ■■■ — ^— — ^^^w^i^W^— ll^l^M^M^^Wi—
* This elcgftTit bird, called by the Dutch, Burger Meister, being the muter of
all other sea-fowl within the Arctic Regions, builds its nest in high dilTs, and
preys on dead whales, and small birds. They seldom stray far from the land or
ice, are constantly on the wing, and not often seen to associate with each other.
^ The sun sets no more here after the 3d of May, when distinction of day and
night is lost From the raiddJe jof August, the power of the sun declines; it sets
fast in September— day is then hardly distinguishable ; and, by tlic middle of
(,)ctober, the sun ta^es a long leave of this dreadftil country ; tlie bays become
iVozen, and Winter reigns triumphant. The sun never appears again till about
^le 3d of Fcl^ruary, leaving this dreary country four monttis in dvkn«s8.
4
The interest exeitcil by the equipment of the late expedition
towards tlie North Pole, was of so general a nature, that there
is scarcely an indivichial who is not fully in possession of its
purport ; but, as no narrative of this voyage has Iiitherto appeared
before the public, the following brief account of the operations
of the ships, and descriptions of the country they visited, may
not prove uninteresting. .
The Dorothea and Trent, under the orders of Capt. Buchan,
quitted £ngland early in May 1818 ; and with favourable winds,
pursued their course to the northward. As they advanced the
weather became considerably colder ; and, ere they had reached
the eightieth parallel of latitude, the ships were cased in ice.
The continuation of the sun above the horizon, however, soon
dispelled this severity of climate ; and the thermometer fluctua-
ted between 40° and 28° Fahrenheit, during the remainder of
the summer.
Few obstacles presenting themselves, the island of Spitsber-
gen was approached on the 26th of May. This island, first dis-
covered by William Barentz, in the year ISp*, lies between the
seventy-sixth and eighty-firKt parallels of latitude, or nearly 400
miles north of Norway. Its shores at first present a true picture
of dre:irine8S and desolation .* the principal objects which attract
the attention, are craggy \ :< ^otains, with tlieir summits tower-
ing above the clouds ; deep gtens filled with eternal snows ; and
stupendous icebergs. The eye, hpwever, soon becomes fami-
liarized to such a scene, and the mind is filled with admiratioi^
of the grandeur and magnificence of its objects.
VIEW II.
The Trentf commanded by Lieutenant Franklint far in the
IcCf the crew endeavouring to extricate her by carrying out
ropes, iSfc.—'Grey Hook, Red Beach^ «S*c.
In the left centre of this view is the Trent, still far in the
ice, from her not being of sufficient weight to separate the
pieces, she is just pressed by two fields of ice, ana, in con^
sequence, lifted up several feet, and heeling over ; the crew
are endeavo'iring to extricate her by carrying out ropes, ice
anchors, &r . Beyond the Trent in tlic distance, along the
horizon, is the continuation of the icy barrier, extending
from Spitzbergen to Greenland ; the promontory of land
on the right in the distance, where you lose sight of the
icy barrier, is named Grey Hook.
The yellow tint over the horizon, behind the Trent, and
extending to Grey Hook, is intended to represent the Ice
unil
B
(lition
; there
of its
peared
rations
1, may
uclian,
winds,
:ed the
reached
in ice.
»r, soon
fluctua-
nder of
pitzber-
Rrst dis-
fcen the
irly 400
B picture
h attract
8 tower-
ws; and
les fami-
Imiratioq
ir in the
n/ing out
Par in the
arate the
, in con-
the crew
'opes, ice
ilong tho
xtending
r of land
[it of the
rent, and
t the Ice
BUnk, a phenomenon always seen over any compact aggi'e*
gation of ice, whenever the horizon is tolerably free from
clouds. It is evidently occasioned by the rays of light strik-
ing on the snowy surface of the ice, and being reflected into
the superincumbent air, where they become visible; but the
light which falls on the sea is in a great measure absorbed ;
hence the openings occurring in a body of ice are seen in the
atmosphere, reflected with the blink, prodticing a perfect
map of the ice and water in the air. Ste Scoresby ore Polar
Ice. — On the extreme right is Red Beach ; on the foreground
on the left is the Larus Arcticus^ or Arctic Gull ;* to the right
of which, among some gigantic fragments of ice, are Alca
Alle, or Little Awks;"f* a little to the right are some of the
Puffin Awks ; J in the centre of the view, on some ice in the
foreground, are the Larus Ebumeus, or Ivory Gull ; a little
to the right of which are seen some Eider Ducks and Drakes;
these birds are very numerous in the bays of Spitzbergen, to
which place they migrate to breed ; they are celebrated for
their luxurious down, now an extensive article of commerce
in many parts of Europe ; beyond them are groups of Seals§
sporting on the ice ; on the wing are the Sterna Hirundai or
Great Tern;|| ^"id on the extreme right is Red Beach.
It was along the western shore of this uninhabited island,
that the ships pursued an almost uninterrupted course, until they
reached Cloven Cliff, or its northern boundary, where they found
* This bird feeds on fish that have been caught by other birds, whom it per*
secutes till they are obliged to drop their prey, which it catches with great dex-
terity before it reaches the water ; they also display a good deal of cunning in
watching the flight of ducks from their nests, when they instantly occupy them
and devour the eggs.
■)■ These little birds are seen in such myriads in the Arctic Seas, as to baffle
all description ; they make a continued chirruping noise which from their num-
bers may be heard several miles ; they arc so stupid and easily frightened, that
they frequently fly to the danger they wish to avoid, and tlius become an easy
prey to the Seals, and other animals inliabiting those regions ; tliey nre about the
size of a black-bird, dive well, are always putting their bill to the water as if
drinking, grow fat in stormy weather, and in Newfoundland are called the Ice
Bird, being the harbinger of ice.
X ^ec Pcnn. Arc. Zoo. Vol. ii. p. 511.
§ These amphibuous animals are so well known as to render any description
unnecessary.
II This graceful little binl surpasses in its plumage every other species of the
featheied tribe, found within the Arctic Itcgions. Nature has provided them
with such sharp bills, and they are so remarkably active, that they fearlessly dart
upon birds of much larger size, and without ceremony rob them of any food they
may have collected, and may thus be said to tyrannize and lord it over every
other kind of bird except the Burger Mcistcr They have even courage enough
to attack the human species, if their nests arc molested by them.
6
that immense barrier of ice, vrhich has littherto prescribed limits
to discovery, and frustrated every exertion to reach the Pole.
This vast body, composed principally of floes, that vary in
thickness from fitteen to sixty feet below the surface of the wa-
ter, was what the ships had to contend with. Twice they were
led into it by flattering prospects, and each time were beset. '^
The first time, they were witliin two miles of the shore, and in
such shoal v^ater that the rocks were plainly to be seen. The
second, after penetrating to 80** 14' N. the floes closed upon them
and they became immoveable.
These discouraging circumstances, though they threw a damp
(ipoh the most sanguine expectations, served but to redouble the
ardour of every officer and seaman ; and, finding the sails alone
were insufficient to force a passage, the laborious operation of
dragging the vessels through witli ropes, and ice anchors, waa
resorted to— an experiment never before made, and now attempt-
ed with the determination of leaving nothing undone that might
affiird the slightest prospect of accomplishing the important en-
tcrprize in view.
At first this fatiguing duty was rewarded with some degree of
success ; difficulties, however, increased as the vessels proceeded,
till at length, the compactness of the ice was such, that they
could neither advance nor recede. Thus closely wedged on all
sides by boundless plains of ice, extending as fur as the eye
could reach, the greatest anxiety was manifested in looking for-
ward to some change, that should either admit of the vessels
proceeding, or enable them to retrace their steps, and seek a
passage in some more favourable t}uarter.
None, however, appeared until the 25th of July, when some
channels of water were descried to the southward, into which
the ships, aided by a northerly wind, soon forced their way ;
and, after four days combating with the ice, against which they
were frequently struck with a violence that caused them to re-
coil with the concussion, and which nothing but their extraor-
dinary strength could withstand, the sea was announced from
the mast-head, to the unspetikable joy of every one on board.
Thus, on the evening of the 29th July, they again found
themselves in clear water, after having penetrated full forty
miles within the icy barrier, and having been twenty-two days
beset among it ; their situation frequently critical ; the ice press •
ing with such force against the ships, that the compression rose
many parts of the decks, and twisted the pannels of the doors in
their frames : sometimes lifting the ships several feet, and often
causing them to lie over very considerably on their side.
* A ship is said to be beset in the ice, when the pieces furm a body so compact
as to preclude the possibility «f moving her.
limits
ole.
/ary in
he wa-
y were
beset.*
aitd in
The
m them
a damp
uble the
Is alone
ation of
ors, was
attempt-
it might
rtant en-
legree of
■oceecled,
hat they
ed on all
I the eye
iking for-
le vessels
td seek a
'hen some
ito which
lieir way;
rhich they
liem to re-
ir extraor-
nced from
I board.
;ain found
full forty
;-two days
e ice press-
ession rose
he doors in
, and often
ide.
)dy so compait
It is tlieir approach to the margin of the ice, on the evening
of their extrication, which is intended to be represented by this
and the foregoing views : when a diversity of scenery was ob-
servable, that appeared well calculated to convey a general idea
of the nature of the Arctic Regions.
VIEW III.
Hed Hill, Red BeucK Red Bay, ^c. with the surrounding
sublime Scenery ^ peculiar to this frozen climate.
On the extreme left is Red Hill, on the right of which is
Red Beach^ so named from the colour of their soil : this
appears to be the extreme point reached bjr most voyagers.
The Hon Captain Phipps, however, after three attempts,
succeeded in passing it. It was off this land the Dorothea
and irent were beset in the ice for 14 days: on the ice on
the left are some of the crew belonging to the Trent, killing
Walrusses.* Immense fragments of ice are in the fore-
ground on the right, on which are two of the crew ; the
boat belonging to the Trent supposed to have put them on
the ice ; immediately over which is a whale breathing : on
the wing, in the center of the View, is the Fulmar Petrel,
or Storm Fowl -f- The Black Gulliemot, or Diving Pigeon,
on and over the ice.
* These hideous animals have been known to attain the length of eighteen fee(^
and girth twelve or thirteen. The head is small, and so connected to the neck as
to appear a continuation of the latter ; the eyes are small, and sunk into the head ;
their lips are fat, and beset with long bristles ; the skin, wliich is about an inch
thick, hangs in folds or wrinkles, particularly about the neck, and is covered with
a short bristly hair, of a dirty yellow or greenish tint \ their legs are shott, and
feet like those of the seaL These monsters are very numerous about Spitzbergen,
and are generally seen collected in groupes, on pieces of floating ice, where they
lie huddled togedier, bellowing, or rather grunting like swine, some rolling and
others scratching themselves. Sometimes the whole groupe ftdl asleep, with the
exception of one, who is set on the watch ; he, however, frequently dozes ; and,
at such times they may be easily approached, and killed With a bayonet or lance.
The motliers invariably provide for the safety of their young in preference to
their own, by plunging it into the sea, even though they should be badly wound«
ed. A striking instance of affection was also manifested by a young one towards
its mother, who, on seeing its parent killed by the crew, was so exasperated, that
the little monster singly attacked the boat ; and, though repeatedly wounded,
would not desist, but crawled upon the ice after the men, until a lance entering
its heart terminated its existence.
f This Bird every where abounds within the Arctic circle, and has even been
seen in the southern hemisphere by the celebrated Cook. They keep chiefly in
the high seas, feeding on dead whales, or whatever ofiers on the surftfce, but will
with their strong bills pick the fat out of tiie bucks of the living whales, especially
of the wounded, whose bloody track they follow by hundreds, t» watch its risinf.
VIEW IV.
the continuation of Red Bay, three magm/cent Iceberg*, witli
the surrounding country.
At the far extent of the bay are three magnificent Ice-
bergs, of a greenish colpur, covered with snow, rising out of
the water hke perpendicular cliifs, and are upwards of a
mile and a half in length, and JiJOS tee in height : they are
chained or frozen to the land, the creation of ages. The
internal part of the island of Spitzbergen, is entirely inac-
cessible; high mountains, with their summits towering above^
the clouds; and deep glens, filled with eternal -row: my-
riads of the little Auks are flying between the mountains ;
imuteuse fragments of ice are on the foreground, in the cen-
tre, right and left ; the Dorothea's boat m the bay, with
part ot the crew shooting Polar Bears ;-f- the Bear in the
miUule supposed to be wounded : in the centre are two of
the Laurus Eburneus, or Ivory Gull.
The icebergs of Spitzbergeu are among the capital wonders
of the country, each fills the valleys for tracts unknown, in a
region totally inaccessible in the internal parts : the Glaciers of
Switzerland seem contemptible to these : one of these exhibits
over the sea, a front of 300 feet high, emulating the emerald in
colour. Cataracts of melted snow precipitate down various parts ;
and black spining mountains, streaked with white, bound the
sides, and rise crag above crag as far as the eye can reach in the
back ground ; at times, immense fragments break off and tumble
into the water, with a most alarming dashing. A piece of this
vivid surface has fallen, and grounded in 24 fathom, and spired
above the surface 50 feet Similar icebergs are common in all
the Arctic Regions, and to their lapse, is owing the solid
momitainotts ice which infest those seas, and so conspicuous in
every form and feature in this View. Masses have been seen
assuming the shape of a Gothic church, with arched windows,
and all the rich tracery of that style, composed of crystal of the
richest sapphirint: olue, tables of one or more feet ; and oflen
immense flat-ro(^'ed temples, like those of Luxor or the Nile,
-|> These animals have been known to grow to the enonnous length of four-
teen feet, and are found almost every where within die Arctic circle. They retire
during the winter to their icy dens, where they ara supposed to live in a torpid
state, until the sun appears above the horizon, when they stalk forth and devour
every thing they meet with. Nature has gifted them with an extraordinary
power of scent ; a piece of horse's fat set on fire on board the ships, was sure of
attracting some towards tlieni. They arc easily frightened ; but when attacked
or wounded, are exccssivi-ly fierce. Baientz teUs us of some of liis seamen bciQg
carried off and devoured by them*
bl
til
»
X Ice-
out of
5 of a
ey are
The
f inac-
; above^
: my-
itains ;
tie cen-
f^ with
in the
! two of
wonders
^n, in a
iciers of
exhibits
lerald in
us parts;
)und the
ch in the
d tumble
:e of this
nd spired
on in all
the solid
icuous in
)een seen
windows,
tal of the
and often
the Nile,
ngth of four-
Thcy retire
ire in a torpid
h and devour
extraordinary
s, was sure of
rhen attacked
seenncn bciQi;
Supported by round transparent columns of cerulean hue, flout
by the astonished spectator. These icebergs, the creation of
ages, receive annually additional height, by the falling of sr.ow
and rain, which often instantly freezes, and more than repairs
the loss by the influence of the melting sun On the left, in the
distance, is Red Hill, so culicd from the colour of its soil ; and on
the right is Red Bay : on the south-west side of which are the
icebergs. It was in this bay the Dorothea und Trent were beaet
m the ice 14 days.
VIEW V.
The Islands named the Nortvai/Sf Cloven Cliff, and Vogel
Sang, with the adjacent countri/.
On the right in the distance, is Cloven Cliff, so named
by the earliest voyagers, from its appearance ; beyond Clo-
ven Cliif, more distant, is the Island named Vogel Sang, and
immediately on the left of Cloven ClifF, is one of the jslands
named the Norways. On the side of the Norway island
next the sea, were lately discovered 243 graves, with Dutch
inscrintiiius , and near them the ruins of places formerly
visei'. tor boiling oil in. Another group of Walrusses at the
bottom of the View. The sky on the right is intended to
give an idea of the storm rising, which tlie vessels encoun-
tered the day after their extrication from the ice. The sea
is beginning to rise on the right.
This view is most beautiful and picturesque; a vast bason
surrounded on all sides by islands of various forms, the sun gild-
ing the circumambiant ice, and dist^mt mountains. The forms
assumed by the ice in this chilling climate, are extremely pleas-
ing to even the most incurious eye ; the surface of that which is
congealed by the sea-water (for it must be allowed two origins),
in flat and even hard opakes, resembling white sugar, and in-
capable of being slid on like the British ice ; the greater pieces
or fields ai'e many leagues in length, the lesser are the meadows
of the seals, on which those animals at times frolic by hundreds ;
the motion of the lesser pieces is rapid as tlie current, the greater
(which are sometimes 200 leagues long, and 60 or 80 broad)
move slow and majestically, and at times are immoveable by the
power of the ocean, they then produce near the horizon that
bright appearance called the Blink of the ice. The approxima-
tion of two great fields, produces a most singular phenomenon ;
it forces the lesser (probably several acres square) out of the
water; and adds it to its surface, a second, and of. a third suc-^
ceeds, so that the whole forms an aggregate of a tremendous
10
height ; some of these are seen in the foreground of thia and the
preceding Views : these float on the sea like so many rugged
mountains, and are sometimes 500 or 6(t0 yards thick ; but the
far greater part is concea1e<l beneath the water. These are con-
tinually increased in height by the freezing of the spray of the
sea, or the melting of the sea which falls on them. In the cen-
tre of this view are the Two Islands called the Norways, and on
the right is
Cloven Cliff. — Tl^is remarkable promontory, so called by the
earliest voyagers, from its cloven appearance, is the north-
western extremity of Spitzbergen, and is that point of land to
which the barrier of ice is usually connected ; and on the extreme
right is
Vogel Sang. — This island comparatively luxuriant to the rest,
is covered with a variety of lichens, which afford nourishment
to numerous reindeer. These elegant animals were found in a
very fine condition : the fat on their loins being seven inches in
thickness. The sky in this part of the Panorama represents the
ttorm rising in the S. W. which the vessels encountered the
following day.
VIEW VI.
T*he dreadful situations of the Dorothea and Trent encountering
the tremendous storms which compelled them to return home.
On the left is the Dorothea, in tremendous contact with
the ice, she is partly heeled over. On the right is the more
perilous situation of the Trent, nearly on her beam ends,
from the violence of the gale, and the sea ; immense pieces
of ice, many hundred thousand tons weight, are tossing in all
directions ; the sky dark, and the sea at a prodigious height:
the whole displaying a scene of awful grandeur and sublimity
beyond description.
The next day the Dorothea and Trent were in an open sea,
steering to the westward, elated with hopes of future success.
A few hours, however, had scarcely elapse<l, when the sea rose
to a prodigious height, and the gale that had long been gathering,
raged with such unexampled fury, that every sail was furled.
At this critical moment, the ice was seen so close to leeward, as
to hold out little probability of weathering it ; and presented a
prospect so truly terrific, that but slender hopes of saving the
vessels were entertained. Every rfTort was, however, made to
keep off ; every sail was set that the vessels could possibly carry,
and each little change of wind taken advantage of: but all
would not avail. Ihe ships, half buried in the sea, fast ap-
proached the margin of the ice^ which presented a scene of hor-
i
r
11
md the
rugged
>ut the
,re con-
of the
he cen-
and on
by the
north-
land to
extreme
the rest,
•ishment
nd in a
nches in
gents the
ered the
mntering
n home.
tact with
the more
Etm ends,
186 pieces
jing in all
IS height:
sublimity
1 open sea»
re 8uccesf.
tie sea ruse
gathering,
was furled,
leeward, as
presented a
saving the
sr, made to
jsibly carry,
of: but all
ea, fast ap-
cene of hor-
ror far beyond the power of language fully to describe. From
the violence of the waves, immense pieces of ice, many hundred
thousand tons weight, were tossed about in all direction, or
hurled one against the other. Floes, of several acres in extent,
were rent asunder, or crumbled to atoms ; the sea, at the same
time, broke over them with such fury, that the whole was buried
in foam. This action of the sea, with the collision of the ice,
and violence of the wind, occasioned such a noise, that no human
"voice could possibly be heard. Such was the formidable body
the ships momentarily expected to encounter. To allow them
to be ilrivrn broadside on, would have instantly proved fatal to
all on board : the only alternative then remained to place the
bow between the outer pieces, and, by a press of sail, endeavour
to force past them, and penetrate so far, that in the event of the
vessels going down, the crews might save themselves upon the
ice. This dreadful and only expedient being determined upon,
the after-sail was lowered, the helm placed a-weather, and, in
less than a minute, the vessels came in tremendous contact with
the margin of the ice; through which, by the strength of the
"wind, and violence of the sea, they forced a passage. Unfortu-
nately, however, the next sea drove in with such violence against
' their sterns, as to bring them broadside to ; where they remained
for some time, being thrown from piece to piece ; and striking
so hard, that their rudders were smashed, the vessels stove, and
their timbers cracking incessantly. In this situation, the provi-
sions and boats were prepared for putting on the ice ; when,
after a short time, a more favourable change took place. A piece
of ice f. '.'. twelve feet thick, which had impeded the progress of
tlie Trent inward, was, by a blow of the stem, split in two, and
the vessel pansed between the fragments, whera she received
such protection as yet to hold out hopes of her safety.
By four in the afternoon the gale abated, and the Trent forced
her way out : the Dorothea had suffered too much to risk the
trial. Nevertheless, both ships were in a clear sea early next
morning ; but, being so shattered as to render their continuance
at sea unsafe, steered for the port of Smeerenburgh, where they
anchored early on the morning of the 1 st of A ugust. This port
not proving sufnciently safe to admit of the vessels undergoing a
repair in it, they were moved to a more favourable one, called
South Gat, which was found by the boats dispatched for that
purpose. 1'his is the best harbour yet discovered in Spitzbergen:
It is surrounded by Ioi\y pyramidal mountains ; the vallies be-
tween being filled with snow and itcbcrgs. Here the largest
one seen iii Spitzbergen was formed: its width being upwards
of a mile and a half, its extent backward two or three more, und
height full 300 feet, its front, of a most beautiful berylinc
blue, was nearly perpendicular, and wrought into the most fan-
ciful forms. In one part was a cave of one hundred feet in
width, fifty in heigiit, und of great depth.
■: I
12
The mountains, though they wear so barren an appearance at"
a distance, are, on a near approach, found to be covered with
moss, on which grow several very diminutive plants: none,
however, exceed six inches in height. Amongst them were
noticed ranunculusses, poppies, and scurvy grass.
During the stay of the ships in this port, important observa-
tions were made ; by which the length of a pendulum, vibrating
seconds in so high a latitude, was obtained. The dip of the
needle was found to exceed that of England 11°: the former
being 82°, the latter 71°. The variation, ascertained to be 24*
30' W., being very nearly the same as in England. The lati-
tudes and longitudes of the principal headlands were found by
celestial observations ; and a trigonometrical survey of the islands
and N. W. coast of Spitzbcrgen, was carefully taken.
By the 30th of August, the ships had undergone such tempo-
rary repair as to enable them to proceed to England, though
not to prosecute the voyage. The breeze favouring, they sailed
out through the southern passage, made the ice, and traced it
along to the westward. On the 15th of September, they were
so near to the coast of lost Greenland (as laid down in the best
charts,) that they momentarily expecteid to see it, having every
indication of their near approach. The sea was smooth, and
somewhat changed in colour ; the sea-fowl were become more
numerous, and several land-birds seen. The anxiety to make
this coast, so many years bound in chains of ice, was truly great;
but, in the mortification of every one, the thick fog, which for
several days had enveloped the ships, continued: a gale, at the
same time, came on, which obliged the ships, in their shattered
condition, to bear up for England, and relinquish every further
attempt to penetrate the barrier with which they liad so long
contended.
VIEW VII.
CAPTAIN Ross's VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY FOR A NORTH-\^EST
PASSAGE.
Subject — The Isabella^ Captain Ross^ and the Alexander, com-
manded by Lieutenant Parry^ at the new discovered land in
Baffin s Bay, named by Captain Ross the Arctic Highlands.
Captain Rosa, Lieutenant Parry, Saccheuse the Esquimaux,
and some of the Crew, in conference with the natives, S[c
In the left centre of tiiis View, is the Isabella, Capt. Ross,
ninde fast to the ice ; beyond which, more dir^tant, is the
Alexander, Lieutenant Parry ; on the other side of which,
are tlie hills of the Arctic Highlands ; in the foreground are
groupes of the natives, with their sledges and dogs ; Cnptaia
Ross and Licutonau !. I'arry arc presenting tlicm with looking-
f
13
uK-fl at
[1 with
none,
1 were
bserva-
bratinjf
of the
former
be a***
he lati-
•und by
e islands
tempo-
though
ey sailed
traced it
ley were
the best
ng every
joth, and
icne more
r to make
uly great;
which for
lie, at the
• shattered
■ry further
id so long
|RTH->»EST
anrfer, com-
red land in
Highlands.
Esquimauxg
ivesy <Src
Capt. Ross,
mU is the
i of which,
^ground are
;s; Captain
'ith looking-
glasses, knives, 5:c ; their astonishment is extreme, at be-
holding tlieir faces in the mirrors ; others of the natives are
Hogging their dogs to preserve order.
The Isabella and Alexander sailed from the Downs about the
middle of April 181 S. On the 30th, they reached Lerwick in
Shetland : and on June 9th, they were in the vicinity of Disco
island.
June 10th. At noon (says the Journal of the Voyage) we fell
in with several ships employed in the whale fishery, one belong-
ing tu Dundee, the rest to Hull ; they had all been successful.
The Governor of the whale islands had informed them that the
ice had broken up and frozen again no less than three times this
season. This fleet of whalers was seen running through the
channel from whence we had come, in hopes of finding a passage.
June 1 1th. In the afternoon we hoisted our colours and pen-
dent, in compliment to the Danish Flag on whale islands.
June 14th. At six we fell in with loose ice, and continued
sailing through it; firm ice was seen westward.
We proceeded next day steering along the edge of the main
ice, a firm field stretching from north to south ; we sailed on
between large floes, and among loose ice, which, as we advanced,
became more tremendous, and move closely packed, till at length
we had only a narrow and crooked channel for our passage.
At' eight we saw a ridge of icebergs of every variety and
shape that can be imagined, and took sketches of them as they
appeared.
June 17. Waygatt, or Hare Island, was now bearing east of
us. We found here forty-five ships employed in the whale
fishery, all detained by the ice; and as there appeared little
chance of our getting farther for some days, I determined to
turn our attention to the best account, and prepared for making
observations on shore.
June 20. Our Esquimaux returned with seven natives in
their canc' i or kajuchs, bringing a small supply of birds.
Their village lying on the south of the bays, appears to con-
sist of a few imts made of seal skins, sufficient fur the residence
uf about fifty persons. Being desirous of procuring a sledge and
dogs, I ofl'ered them a rifle musket for one completely fitted,
which they promised to fetch ; with much honesty of principle,
however, refusing to accept the rifle till they had brought the
sledge ; they soon returned, bringing the sledge and dogs in a
boat managed by five women, dressed in deer skins ; the boat
was called an umiack, and rowed by the women standing.
In the early part of the day, July 1 8th, a large bear was seen
making towards the ships ; one of the Alexander's men, who
Was straying at some distance on tlie ice, first discoveretl the
Minimal, und went to nu'(>t it, but so(»n perceiving he wa« no
H
B'll
ill
'
i' .li
11
14
match for its ftrocity, he prudently halted, till Messrs Beverlcj-,
Skene, and Ross, with some seamen, joined in the attack ; tlic
bear made off on their approach, and they had a tedious hunt
after it in vain.
When the weather cleared, we had the pleasure of seeing land;
the ship was immediately under sail, and passing several miles
in that direction, we fell in with seven whalers, which had got
a-head of us while we were beset : we received a message from
one of them, the Everthorpe, requesting surgical assistance for
the master, whose thigli harl been severely lacerated by a
wounded bear, which had attacked and dragged him out of tlie
boat ; the animal was pierced by three lances before it would
relinquish its grip, when, disengaging itself from the weapons,
it swam to the ice, and made off. The poor man though sadly
torn, was happily not considered to be in a dangerous state.
July 30th. It being calm, (says Captain Ross,) I sent ft boat
after a whale, which appeared to be particularly marked, being
black and white ; he was sonn liarpooned by the Isabella') boat;
the first harpoon striking him on the back, a little behind the left
fin, and at first appearing to be effectual ; the boat was then car-
ried to the edge of the ice, and several lines veered away, bjit
after holding a long time, it was perceive<l that he had escaped,
but he soon after appeared, about a mile and a half in distance,
with the harpoon on his back, being then a loose fish. As he re-
mained near the surface, and appeared to suffer from the wound^
the young officers of both ships, who each commanded boats,
pulled with emulation to the spot where each expected him to rise,
waiting for the moment of his appearance with anxiety. For-
tune favoured Mr James Ross, the animal rising nearest to his
boat, in which the harpooner enfixed his weapon with a deadly
aim, following it by a third and fourth, which made the captive
certain : he was now much exhausted, and obliged to remain near
tlie surface, thereby exposing himself to the lances ; the blood,
at intervals flowing from his wounds, and being thrown up in
volumes as he rose to breathe ; at length, becoming exhausted,
he had only strength to make a last but terrible struggle.
August the 6th. — W hile standing off and on, we liad good
observations. At half past two, a small opening was seen,
wliich, together with the motion of the ice, gave us hopes
of forcing a passage : I determined to attempt it, and the weath-
er proving fine, the ships were tracked with great difficulty
through about a mile of bay ice, to the narrowest of a floe, which
obstructed our passage into a pool a-head ; the usual resort was
had to sawing, but our labours were soon stispended by the dis-
covering of a passage a little to the eastward ; to this therefore
we warped the ships through the loose and bay ice, and thus
managed to proceed about a mile further. Here we obtained
good observations and the bearings of the land.
beJ
tail
1
a
crlcj-,
the
hunt
land;
miles
ad got
e from
ice for
by a
of tlie
would
eapons,
sadly
ite
t
I,
^ boat
being
^'5 boat;
the left
then car-
)vay, bjit
escaped,
distance,
As he re-
le wound,
led boats,
im to rise,
ity For-
rest to his
h a deadly
he captive
emain near
the blood,
rown up in
exhausted,
;gle.
; Ivad good
was seen,
e us hopes
I the weath-
at difficulty
1 floe, which
il resort was
I by the dis-
his thercfovc
ce, and thus
we obtaint'd
The ships had made very little progress, when we were eur-
prised by the appearance of several men on the ice, who were
hallooing, (as we imagined) to the ships ; the first impression was,
that they were shipwrecked sailors, probably belonging to some
vessel that had followed us, and had been crushed in the last
gale ; we therefore tacked, hoisted our colours, and stood in for
the shore. On approaching the ice, we discovered them to be
natives drawn in rudely fashioned sledges by dogs, which they
continued to drive backwards and forwards with wonderful ra-
pidity. When we arrived within hail, Saccheuse called out to
them, in hie own language ; some words we heard in return, to
which a reply was again made by the Esquimaux, but neither
party appeared to be in the least degree intelligible to the other.
For some time they continued to regard us in silence, but on the
ships' tacking, they set up a sinuiltaneous shout, accompanied
with many strange gesticulations, and went off in their sledges
with amazing velocity towards the land. After they had attained
tlie distance of a mile or more, they halted for about two hours;
as soon as this was observed, the ship was tacked, and a boat
sent to place an observation stool of four feet in height, on the ice,
on which various presents, consisting of knives and articles of
clothing were letl. Either, however, they did not see it, or it
did not attract their attention, and a second boat was therefore
sent, with directions to leave one of the Esquimaux dogs with
some strings of blue beads round his neck, near the same place.
It being necessary to examine if there was a passage in tlu9
place, wc took the opportunity of their absence to stand towards
the head of the pool, which was about four miles oiF, trusting,
that in the mean time they would return to the same spot, to
which it was also our intention to come back, after examining
into the chances of a passage northward. No opening was how-
ever found, and we therefore returned, after an absence of ten
hours. The dog was found sleeping on the spot where we left
him, the presents remaining untouched. A single sledge was
shortly after observed at a great distance; but it immediately
drove off with great rapidity.
Being extremely anxious to communicate with the natives, I
caused a pole to be prepared, on which a flag was flxed, with a,
representation of the sun and moon, pointing over a hand holding
a sprig of heath, (the only shrub seen on the shore) This pole
being carried to an iceberg, midway between the ships and the
shore, was there erected, and a bag containing presents, with the
device of a hand pointing to a ship, painted on it, was fastened
to the pole within reach, and left there ; the ships in the mean
time, being moored in a convenient situation for observing what
might take place.
The gale had now entirely subsided, the weather became
beautiful, and the water calm ; circumstances that necessarily de-
tained up in our present situation ; which notwithstanding the
16
iijii
I .
It .1
II
imperious nature of our orders to proceed with all possible di«i»
patci], -ve should have been unwilling to leave, while any chance
of a cummunicHtion with a people hitherto unkno>^ n, remained.
August 10. Myriads of the little awks surrounded us, and af-
forded some sport, while they proved no less a treat *^o the
pe«)ple.
y\bout 10 o'clock this day, we were rejoiced to see eighi
sledges, driven by the natives, advancing by a circuitous route
towards the place where we lay ; they halteil about a mile from
us, and the people alighting, ascended a small iceberg, as if to
reconnoitre. After remaining apparently in consultation for
nearly half an hour, four of them descended and came towards
the flag-staff, which, however, they did not venture to approach ;
in the mean time, a white flag was hoisted at the main in each
ship, and John vSaccheuse dispatched, bearing a small white flag,
with some presents, that he might endeavour, if possible, to
bring them to a parley. This was a service which he had most
cheerfully volunteered, requesting leave to go unattended and
unarmed, a request to which no objection could be made, as the
place chosen for the meeting was within half a mile of the
Isabella: it was equally advantageous to the natives, a canal,
or small chasm in the ice, not passable without a plank, se-
parating the parties from each other, and preventing any possi-
bility of an attack from these people, unless by darts.
In executing this service, Saccheuse displayed no less address
than courage. Having placed his flag at some distance from
the canal, he advanced to the edge, and taking off his hat, made
friendly signs for those opposite to approach as he did ; this they
partly complied with, halting at a distance of 300 yards, where
they got out of their sledges, and set up a loud simultaneous
halloo, which Saccheuse answered by imitating it. They ven-
tured to approach a little nearer, having nothing in their hands
but the whips with which they guide their dogs ; and, after sa-
tisfying themselves that the canal was impassable, one of them in
particular, seemed to acquire confidence. Shouts, words, and
gestures, were exchanged for some time to no purpose, though
each party seemed, in some degree to recognize each other's
language, Saccheuse, after a time, thought he could discover
that they spoke the Humookc dialect, drawing out their words,
however, to an unusual length. He immediately adopted that
dialect, and holding up presents, called out to them, Kahkcitc,
" Come on ;" to which they answered, Naakrie, naakrieai-plaite,
" No, no — g^Q away ;" and other words which he made out to
mean, that they hoped we were not come to destroy them.
The boldest then approached to the edge of the canal, and
drawing from his boot a knife, re|)eated " Go away ! I can kill
you." Saccheuse not intimidated, told them he was also a man,
nnil a friend; and at the same, threw across the canal some
strings of beads, and a checked shirt ; but these they beheld
17
e cli«i»
hance
ained.
ind at-
♦o the
? eighi^
8 route
le from
as if to
ion for
towards
iproach ;
iti each
liite flag,
5sible, to
\mu\ most
ided and
le, as the
le of the
, a canal,
f)lank, se-
any possi-
ess addvcs3
tance from
3 hat, made
i ; this they
irds, where
imvdtaneous
They ven-
their hands
nd, after sa-
,e of them m
words, and
pose, though
each other's
mV\ discover
their words,
adopted that
lem, Kahkette,
s »Tiade out to
oy them,
the canal, and
^y ! 1 can UiU
vas also a man,
the canal some
se they beheld
m
with great distrust and apprehension, still cAWing, " Go away,
don't kiM Us." Saccheuse now thr?w them an English knife,
saying, " Take that." On this they approached with caution^
picked up the knife, dien shouted and pulled their noses ; these
actions were imitated by Saccheuse, who, in return called out,
" Heigh, ynn !" pulling his nose with the same gesture. They
now pointed to the shirt, demanding what it was ; and when
told it was an article of clothing, asked of what skin it was
made. Saccheuse replied, it was made of the hair of an animaV^
which they had never seen : on which they picked it up with
expressions of surprise. They now began to ask many ques-
tions; for, by this time they found the language spoken by
themselves and Saccheuse had sufficient resemblance to enable
them to hold some communication.
They first pointed to the ships, eagerly asking " What great
creatures those were ? Do they come from the sun or the moon >
Do they give us light by night or by day ?" Saccheuse told them
he was a man, that had a father and mother like tliemselves; <
and, pointing to the south, said that he came from a distant
country, in that direction. To this they answered, ** That cannot
be; there is nothing but ice there " They again asked, " What
creatures these were }" pointing to the ships : to which Saccheuse
replied, that " They were houses made of wood." This they
seemed still to discredit, answering, " No, they are alive, we have
seen them move their wings." Saccheuse now inquired of them,
what they themselves were ; to which they replied, they were
men, and lived in that direction, pointing to the north; that
there was much water there ; and that they had come here to
fish for sea unicorns. It wac then agreed that Saccheuse should
pass the chasm to them ; and he accordingly returned to the ship
to make his report, and to ask for a plank. During the whole
of this conversation, I had been employed with a good telescope
in observing their motions, and beheld the first man approach
with every mark of fear and distrust, looking frequently behind
to the other two, and beckoning them to come on, as if for sup-
port; they occasionally retreated, then advanced again, with
cautious steps, in the attitude of listening, generally keeping one
hand down by their knees, in readiness to pull out a knife which
they had in their boots ; in the other hand they held their dog
wb'ps with the lash coiled up ; their sledges remaining at a little
distance, the fourth man being apparently stationed to keep
them in readiness for escape. Sometimes they drew back the
covering they had on their heads, as if wishing to catch the
most distant sounds; at which time J could discern their
features, displaying extreme terror and amazement, while every
limb appeared to tremble as they moved. Saccheuse was direc-
ted to entice them to the ship, and two men were now sent
with a plank, which was accordingly placed across the chasm.
They appeared still much alarmed, and. requested that Saccheuse
18
m
:;';i|i
If ' '
only should come over : he accordingly passed to the opposite
side, on which they earnestly besought him not to touch them ;
as, if he did, they should certainly die. After he had used many
arguments to persuade them that he was flesh and blood, the
native who had shewn most courage, ventured to touch his hand ;
then pulling himself by the no&e, set up a shout in which he was
joine<l by Saccheuse and the oUier three. The presents were
then distiibuted, consisting of tw6 or three articles of clothing,
and a few strings of beads, after which Saccheuse exchanged a
knife for one of theirs. The hope of getting some important
information, as well as the interest naturally felt for these poor
creatures, made me impatient to communicate with them myself;
and I therefore desired Lieutenant Parry to accompany me to
the place where the party were assembled, it appearing to me
that Saccheuse had failed in persuading them to come nearer the
ships. We accordingly provided ourselves with additional pre-
sents, consisting of looking glasses and knives, togetlier with
some caps and shirts, and proceeded towards the spot, where the
conference was held with increased ^energy. By the time we
reached it, the whole Avere assembled ; those who had originally
been left at a distance with other sledges, having driven up to
join their comrades. The party now, therefore, consisted of
eight natives, with all their sledges, and about fifty dogs, two
sailors, Saccheuse, Lieutenant Parry and myself — forming a
group of no small singularity ; not a little also increased by the
peculiarity of the situation — on a field of ice far from the land.
The noise and clamour may be easily conceived, the whole talk-
ing and shouting together, and the dogs howling while the na-
tives were flogging Uiem with their long whips to preserve order.
Our arrival produced a visible alarm, causing them to retreat a
few steps towards their sledges ; on this Saccheuse called to us
to pull our noses, as he had discovered this to be the mode of
fKendly salutation with them. This ceremony was accordingly
performed by each of us— the natives, during their retreat, mak-
ing use of the same gestures, the nature of which we had not
before understood. In the same way we imitated their shouts
as well as we could, using the same interjections. Heigh, yaw !
which we afterwards found to be an expression of surprise and
pleasure. We then advanced towards them while they halted,
and presented the foremost with a looking glass and a knife, re-
peating the siime presents to the whole as they came up in suc-
cession. On seeing their faces in the glasses, their astonishment
appeared extreme, and they looked round in silence for a moment
at each other and at us ; immediately afterwards they set up a
gei.wTal shout, succeeded by a loud laugli, expressive of extreme
delight as well as surprise, in which we joined, partly from in-
ability to avoid it, and willing also to shew that we were pleased
with our new acquaintances.
The impression made by this ludicrous scene, on Saccheuse,
was so strong, that some time ofter he made a drawing of it.
19
osite
kem;
nany
, the
land ;
e was
were
thing,
ged a
tortant
le poor
(nyself;
me to
t to me
arer the
nal pre-
jer with
here the
time vre
irigina^ly
en up to
isisted of
logs, two
orming a
sed by the
I the land,
vhole talk-
ile the na-
lerve order,
to retreat a
ailed to us
he mode of
accortUngly
etreat, mak-
we had not
their shouts
Heigh, yaw!
surprise and
they halted,
d a knife, re-
le up in fiuc-
astonishment
for a moment
hey set up a
ive of extreme
jartly from in-
e were pleased
on Saccheuse,
drawing of it.
being the first specimen we had witnessed of his talents for histo-
rical composition. His practice in the art of design, which he had
cultivated, in addition to all the other branches of knowledge en-
grafted on his Esquimaux education, having hitherto been limited
to copying such prints of single figures or ships, as he could
procure, as he never received any hint or assistance in this per-
formance. Having now at- length acquired confidence, they
advanced, offering, in return for our knives, glasses, and beads—
their knives, sea unicorns' horns, and sea-horse teeth, which were
accepted. They were then instructed by Saccheuse to uncover
their beads, as a mark of good will and respect to us ; and with
this ceremonial, which they performed immediately, and of
which they appeared to comprehend the meaning, our friendship
became established. One of them having inquired what was
the use of a red cap which I had given him, Saccheuse placed it
on his head, to the gi'eat amusement of tlie rest, each of whom
put it on in his turn. The colour of our skins became next a
subject of much mirth, as also the ornaments on the frames of
the looking glasses. The eldest of them, who was also the one
who acted as leader, addressing himself to me, now made a long
speech, which being ended, he appeared to wait for a reply, I
made signs that I did not understand him, and called for Sac-
cheuse to interpret ; he thus perceived that we used different
languages, at which his astonishment appeared extreme, and he
expressed it by a loud Heigh, yaw ! As Saccheuse's attempt to
procure the meaning of this oration seemed likely to fail, and as
we were anxious to get them to the ship as soon as possible, I
desired him to persuade them to accompany us. They accor-
dingly consented — on which their dogs were unharnessed and
fastened to the ice, and two of the sledges were drawn along the
plank to tlie other side of the chasm ; three of the natives being
left in charge of the dogs and the remaining sledges ; the other
five followed us, laughing heartily at seeing Lieutenant Parry
and myself drawn towards the ship <hi the sledges, by our sea-
men. One of them by keeping close to me, got before his com-
panions, and thus we proceeded together, till we arrived within
a hundred yards of the ship, where he stopped. I attempted to
urge him on, but in vain — his evident terror preventing him
from advancing another step, till his companions came up. It
was apparent that he still believed the vessel to be a living crea-
ture, as he stopped to contemplate her, looking up at the masts,
and examining every part with marks of the greatest fear and
■ astonishment; he then addressed her, crying out in words per-
fectly intelligible to Saccheuse, and in a loud tone, " Who are
you ? what are you .'' where do you come from ? is it from the
sun or the moon ?" pausing betweei> every question, and pulling
his nose with the utmost solemnity. The rest now came up in
succession, each shewing similar surprise, and making use of the
same expressions, accompanied by the same extraordinary cere-
nxony. Saccheuse now labouiecl to assure them, that the ship
>
mmm
20
^:!il:
was only a wooden house, and pointed out the boat, which had
bern hauled on the ice to repair; explaining; to them that it waK
a smaller one of the same kind. This immediately arrested their
attention. They advanced to the boat, examined her, as well as
the carpenters' tools, and the oars, very minutely; each object
in its turn, exciting the most ludicrous ejaculations of surprise.
We then ordered the boat to be launched into the sea, with a
man in it, and hauled up again, at the sight of which they set no
bounds to their clangour. The ice anchor, a heavy piece of iron
shaped like the letter S, and the cable, excited much interest;
the former they tried in vain to remove, and they eagerly inquired
of what skins the latter was made. By this time the officers of
both ships had surrounded them, while the bow of the Isabella,
which was close to the ice, was crowded with the crew ; and,
certainly, a more ludicrous, yet interesting scene, was never be-
held than that which took place whilst they wei'e viewing the
ship ; nor is it possible to convey to the imagination, any thing
like a just representation of the wild amazement, joy, and fear,
which successively pervaded the conntena:ices, and governed the
gestures of these creatures, who gave full vent to their feelings ;
and I am sure it was a gratifying scene, which never can be tor-
gotten by those who witnessed and enjoyed it. Their shouts,
halloos, and laughter, were heartily joined in, and imitated by
all hands, as well as the ceremony of nose pulling, which could
not fail to increase our mirth on the occasion. Tiiat which most
of all excited their admiration, wa$ the circumstance of a sailor
going aloft ; and they kept their eyes on him till he reached the
summit of the mast. The sails whicli hung loose, they natu-
rally supposed were skins. Their attention being again called to
the boat, where the carpenter's hammer and nails still remained,
they were shown the use of these articles; aid no sooner were
they aware of their purposes, than they shewed a desire to pos-
sess them, and were accox'dingly presented with some nails.
They now accompanied us to that part of the bow from which a
rope-ladder Mas suspended, and the mode of mounting it was
shown tl em , but it was a considerable time ere we could prevail
on them to ascend it; at length the senior, who always led the
way, went up, and was followed by the rest. The new wonders
that i)ow surrounded tliem on every side caused fresh astonish-
ment, which, after a inoment's suspense, always terminated in
loud and hearty laughter. The most frequent ejaculation of
surprise was Heigh, t/aw ! and when particularly excited by any
more remarkable object than the rest, they pronounced the first
syllable of the interjection many times, ;with peculiar rapidity
and emphasis, extending wide their arms, and looking at each
other at the end of the exclamation, with open mouths, as if in
breathless consternation. Their knowledge of wood seemed to
be limited to some heath of a dwarfish growth, witli stems no
thicker than the finger; and accordingly they knew not whu^ tu
iil
had
wa«
heir
"Was
bject
prise,
ith a
jet no
f iron
erest ;
[juired
cers of
abella,
; and,
ver be-
ing the
y thing
nd tear,
rned the
eeUngs ;
n be for-
r shouts,
tated by
ch could
liich most
f a sailor
ached the
:hey natu-
n called to
remained,
joner were
sire to poa-
jome nails,
om which a
ling it was
ould prevail
ays led the
lew wonders
Bsh astonish-
jrminated in
jaculation of
ncitedbyany
need the first
uliar rapidity
iking at each
BUths, as if i»^
,od seemed to
ivith stems no
;w not what to
ihink of the timber they saw on hoard. Not being aware of its
weight, two or three of thcin successively seized on the spurn
top-mast, evidently with a view of carrying it oft"; and as soon
as they became familiar with the people around them, they shew-
ed that desire of possessing what they admired, which is so uni-
versal among savages. 'I'he only thing they looked on with
contempt, was a little terrier dog, judging no doubt that it was
too small for drawing a sledge ; but they shrunk back as if i:i
terror, from a jiig, whose pricked ears antl ferocious aspect, being
of tlie Shetland breed, presented a somewhat formidable appear-
ance ; this animal happening to grunt, one of them was so terri-
fied, that he becsinie from that moment imeasy, and appeared
impatient to get out of the ship. In carrying his purpose into
effect, however, he did not lose his propensity to thieving, as he
seized and endeavoured to carry off tlie smith's anvil : finding:
that he could not remove it, he laid hold of the large hammer,
threw it on the ice, and following it himself, deliberately set it
on his sledge and made off. As this was an article I could not
spare, I sent a person to recover it, wlio followed him hallooing,
and soon got pretty near him : seeing tiiat he must be overtaken,
he artfully sunk it in the snow, and went on with the sledge, by
which we were convinced, that he knew he Avas doing wrong.
The seaman on finding the hammer, left off the pursuit, and
returned, while he went off and was seen no more that da)'. Short-
ly after, another of them who hail received a present, consisting
of a small hammer and some nails, left the ship also, putting his
acquisitions upon the remaining sledge, dragged it away with
liim, and disappeared.
Among other amusements afforded to the officers and men on
board, by their trials on the inexperience of the natives, was the
effect produced on them, by seeing their faces in a raagnitVing
mirror. Their grimaces were highly entertaining, while, like
monkeys, they looked first into it, and then behind, in hopes of
finding tlie monster which was exaggerating their hideous ges-
tures. A wfltch was also held at the ear of one, who, snpposing
it alive, asked if it was good to eat. On being shewn the glass
of the sky-light and binnacle, they touched it, and desired to
know what kind of ice it was. During this scene, one of them
wandered to the main hatchway, and stooping down, saw the
Serjeant of marines, whose red coat produced a loud exclamation
of wonder, while his own attitude and figure did not less excite
the surprise of our tars, who, for the first time, discovered some
unexpected peculiarities in the dress of the natives.
The three men remaining, were now !;^nded down to my
cabin, and shewn the use of the chairs, which they did not com-
prehend, appearing to have no notion of any other seat than the
ground. Being seated, we attempted to take their portraits, in
which Lieutenant Hopner, Mr Skene, Mr Bushnan, and myself,
were at the same time employed. During this attempt, fearful it
n
might alarm them, vre amused them with questions, collecting,
from tlieni, at the same time, the information we thought it de-
sirable to obtain ; and directing Saccheuse to ask those questions
which the hurried nature of this visit permitted us to recollect
as most essential, and of which the result will appear hereafter.
Our drawings being completed, and interrogatories ended, they
began to be very inquisitive, asking the use of every thing in the
cabin. We shewed them papers, books, drawings, and various
mathematical instruments, which produced only the usual effect
of astonishing them ; but on being shewn the prints in Cook's
Voyage of the natives of Otaheite, they atten^pted to grasp them,
evidently comprehending that they were the representations of
human beings. The sight of a writing desk, a bureau, and of
other wooden furniture, also excited their astonishment, but ap-
parently from the nature of the materials only, as they seemed to
form no idea of their uses. They were now conducted to the
gun.room, and afterwards round the ship, but without appearing
to distinguish any thing particularly, except the wood in her
construction, stamping on the deck, ;, if in evident surprise at
the quantity of the valuable material. In hopes of amusing them,
the violin was then sent for, and some tunes were played ; they,
however, paid no attention to this, seeming quite unconcerned
either about the sounds or tlie performer ; a sufficient proof that
the love of music is an acquired taste, and that it requires experi-
ence to distinguish between that and similar noises. A flute was
afterwards sounded for them, which seemed to exact somewhat
more attention ; probably from its resembling, more nearly in
shape, the objects to which they were accustomed ; one of them
put it to his mouth, and blew on it, but immediately threw it
away. On returning to the cabin, some biscuit was produced,
and a piece eaten by Saccheuse, before presenting it to them. One
of them then took a piece also into his mouth, but almost imme-
diately spat it out with apparent disgust Some salt meat, that
was afterwards offered, produced the same effect. We now also
ascertained their names, that of the eldest Ervick, and that of
the two others, who were his brother's sons, Marshuick and
Otooniah. Some jugglers' tricks were afterwards exhibited by
Mv lUni-rley, which seemed to disconcert them, as they became
uneasy, and expressed a wish to go on deck; we accordingly
aeeompaiiied them, and by pointing to the pieces of ice that were
alongside, attempted to discover to vhat extent they could count,
for the purpose of ascertaining the numbers of their tribe: we
found, however, they could only reckon to ten ; and on inquiring,
therefore, if their country possessed as mair inhabitants, as there
were pieces of ice, tliey replied, " Many more," a thousand
fragments were perhaps then floating round the ship. The
knives had, by this time, been examined by the armourer, who
thought they were made from pieces of iron hoop, or from flat-
toned nails ; we therefore asked if any plank or wreck had
S8
iormerly been driven on their shore ; to which they replied, that
u piet'f of wood with some nails had come on shoic, nud ''een
picked up ; we therefore concluded, that the knives which they
had left with us, had been tormeJ from this iron, and conse-
quently made no further inquiries They were now loaded with
various presents, consisting of some articles of clothing, biscuit,
and pieces of wood, in addition to which, the plank that had
been used in crossing the chasm was given to them. They then
departed, promising to return as £oon as they had eaten and
slept, as we had no means of explaining to them what Uvmorrow
meant. The parting was attended with the ceremony of pulling
noses on both sides. After they had reached and crossed the
chasm, they were observed by some men who had been sent to
accompany them, throwing away the biscuit, and splitting the
plank, which was of teak, into small pieces, for the purpose of
divi<ling it among the party. Soon after this they mounted their
sledges^ and drove off in a body, hallooing apparently in great glee.
were
:ount,
we
VIEW VIII.
Subject — Criinaon Cliffs — Captain Ross, Lieutenant Parry,
SaccheusCj and part of the crews, playing at foot-ball with
the natives.
On the ice, in the foreground of the view, are Capt. Ross,
Lieut. Parry, Saccheuse the Esquimaux, and part of the
crews, with groupes of the natives, kicking at each other an
inflated seal skin bag, behind which are more of the natives
taking care of the sledges. In the middle distance, are the
Crimson Clifis, so named from the snow on them being of
a deep crimson colour ; behind the cliffs, at a considerable
distance, are high mountains covered with snow of the na-
tural colour.
August 11. The drifting of the ice this morning, (continues
the Journal) apprised us of an approaching southerly breeze, and
made pur situation no longer tenable ; we were therefore obliged
to cast loose, and, ailter pass'ng through several narrow channels,
and much loose ice, we au anced seven miles further to the
westward, and fortunately found a place of safety^ under the lee
of a very large iceberg, which lay aground in 150 fathoms. No
sooner were both ships fast, than an immense floe of ice, with
two small bergs in it, came into contact with the large berg, the
corner of which was raised several feet ; a huge piece of the
j[)recipice was struck off by the concussion, and fell widt a
dreadful crash, breaking the ice below it, and raising a wave
that rent the floe in pieces for several hundred yards, and made
the ships roll considerably.
u
A bottle, containing an accuunt of our proceedings, was here
left on tlie floating ice.
We also found, what Saccheuse had forgotten to tell us before,
that the iron was procured from a mountain near the shore.
They had informed him, that there was a rock of it, or more,
(for it could not at this time be ascertained which) and that the
pieces from which the blades of their knives were made, were
cut off by means of a sharp stone. We now, therefore, had much
reason to regret, that the party which landed on the spot which
Mr Bushnun had determined to be an island, on the morning of
the 8th, had not proceeded further, and that they di(i not exaniine
the mountains where it now appeared that this iron was ibuiid.
August 13. The ice was now closing in upon us, the weather
had every appearance of a gale, and we lost no time in seeking
a place of shelter, which we were fortunate enough to find close
to an iceberg, that was firmly secured to the land ice : in this
there was a small bay, in which we were made fast, and were
very soon beset as we expected.
During the three last days, we had seen a vast number of
whales, which sometimes came up alongside of the ship to res*
pire, and did not seem at all alarmed : we saw also some sea
unicorns, and in the mornings and evenings, the pools of water
were literally swarming with awks, hundreds of which were
daily shot.
We had not remained long at our new moorings, before we
were gratified by the appearance of three of the natives at a
diatance. Preparations were acccordingly made for continuing
our intercourse, if they should prove to be the same that had
been with us, or for obtaining a parley if they should turn out
to be strangers.
The flag-staff, as on a former occasion, was, therefore pitched
at some distance from the ships, and the natives were shortly
seen to approach it, without much hesitation or alan^i. I'hey
were observed to take down the bag which was attached to it ;
but after examining the contents, they restored them to their
place, and returned to their sledges. Saccheuse was then fur-
nished with presents, and sent to speak with them. He found
immediately that they were not our old friends, but other natives,
who had received from them a good report of us, together with
the history of our being people that lived beyond the ice, and
that this had prevented any alarm at our appearance.
On receiving this account, I went with Lieutenant Parry to
the place of communication, and perfor-med the ceremonies aU
ready described, asf^uring them of our friendship, and inviting
them on board— it being propose J that they should drive close
to the ships on their sledges : the eldest got into his sledge for
this purpose, and we hud thus an opportunity of witnessing
the mode in which he managed his dogs. These were six in
number, each having a collar of soul skin, two inches wide, to
<*
25
were
^vhich tlie one end of the thonjr« made of strong hide, about
three yards long, was tied, tlie other end being fastened to the
fore i)art of the sledge ; thus they all stood nearly a-breast, each
drawing by a i^ingle trace, without reins. No sooner did they
hear the crack of the wliip. than they ^et off at full spi;ed, while
he seemed to manage them with the greatest ease, guiding them
partly by his voice, and partly by the sound of the whip ; on
approaching our sailors, however, they became so terrified, that
it was with some difficulty they could be stopped. They werfc
at length fastened to the ice, and one of the younger men, who
had come up behind, was left in charge of the whole. They
were much delighted with the presents that were now given
them ; but as it appeared that they had seen those which we had
given to the first party, their surprise was not to be compared to
that which we had already witnessed. In return, I received a
spear made of the sea unicorn's horn, with a sledge, made chiefly
of the bones of the seal, tied together with thongs of seal skin,
the runners, or lower pieces, being formed of sea unicorn's horns.
I also purchased from them a dog, but with some difficulty, as
they seemed very averse to part with it. I chose the one which
appeared to Mr Parry and me the handsomest. On examining
them, we found that three of them had lost each an eye ; these,
as the natives inforund us, having been accidents from the lash
of the whip. The dog was bound, and led on by one of the
sailors to the ship. The animal was some time afterwards unfor-
tunately washed overboard in a gale.
The other two natives now accompanied us to the ship, and
were much astonished at every thing they saw ; but it was evi-
dent that they had been prepared to see wonders by our former
visitors, as they were by no means so clamorous.
They came in the smnmer season to catch seals and sea uni-
corns, and to procure iron, and returned when the sun left
them. We inqui'-ed respecting the iron with which their knives
were edged ; they informed us, that it was found in the mountain
before mentioned ; that it was in several large masses, of which
one in particular, which was harder than the resrt, was a part of
the mountain, that the others were in large pieces above ground,
and not of so hard a nature ; that they cut it off with a hard stone,
and then beat it flat into pieces of the size of a sixpence, but of
an oval shape. As tlie place where this metal was found, which
is culled Sowallick, was at least twenty-five miles distant, and
the weather was very unsettled, I could not venture to send another
party to examine it, being uncertain how scmn we might be for-
ced from our present situ uon. I therefore offered high rewards,
and pressed them to bring us some spei-imcns of it, which they
nuulily premised, but never performed. They all shewed the
fame dislike to bread and spirits us the others.
When on deck, and almut to leave us, they pointed to their
houses, which were oppo<sitc to the ship, about three miles distant,
<:
26
awd could be discerned with tlie telescope. They informed us
that the headland we saw farthest to the north, wJiich \v;is six
miles off, was called Inraaiiick, and that on the other side of it
there was clear sea. Having made them presents consisfting of
a small harpoon, with some pieces of iron and of wood, 1 repeated
my entreaties that they would bring- specimens of their non.
They promised to return with it when they had eaten and slept,
together with more of their countrymen, when they departed
highly pleased.
14th. The weather continuing clear, we had good azimuths,
and several c ervations on the deviation of the magnetic needle,
were also made. In the mean time, the boats were sent to pro-
cure \vater-fowl: they returned with three hundred of the little
awks, which were as usual served to the ship's company.
At two in the afternoon, a party of ten natives were seen ap-
proaching the ship on their sledges. Mr Parry, Sacchcuse, .and
myself went out to meet them ; and among them were glad to
recognize three of those with whom we had first communicated,
and the one «vho had purloined the hannner. They now came
forward, not only without alarm, but without ceremony — both
the pulling of noses, and the shakinji' of hands being dispensed
with ; and having with them a seal skin made into a bag, and
filler! with ;iir, they began to kick it at each other and at us. hi
this play we heartily joined, to the great amusement of both
parties. i'his toot-ball was the buoy of their harpoon, and we
fountl they had killed a sea unicorn during the night, about three
miles to the south-eastward of the ship^ ; we immediately asked
for its horn, to which they replied it was a female and had none.
We now invited them to the ship, and they accompanied us
witliout hesitation. They were, however, no sooner on board,
than they proceeded both to beg and to steal, laying hands on
every small piece of w«km1 they met with, and pocketing every
rail they could find aliout the ship. I ])rocured from them a
sledge of the same description as the former, and a couple of
knives ; they also gave me a piece of drieil sea unicorn's flesh,
which appeared to have been parched or half roasted, as it bore the
marks of fire. I attempted in vain to procure another dog from
them, but they could not be persuaded to part with him. One
of them who had a bag full of awks, took out one in our jiresence,
and devoured it raw ; but on being asked if this was a common
practice, they informed us, that they only cat them in this stale
when they had no convenience for cookery.
We also learnt that the water was clear of ice on the northern
side of the Cape; intelligence which could not fail to raise our
spirits with the hopes of making some progress as soon as we
vere able to move from our present position.
August the 17th. This morning being clear, I sent to an ice-
berg to obtain aznnuths, but owing to the attraction of the boat,
^vhich had ice-anchors on board, no satisfactory result was
27
N,
obtiilned. We now discovered that tlie snow on the face of tlie
cliffs, presented an Jip])e;ii;ince both iiovel and interesiinjr, being
apparently stained, or covered, by .s»nne substance v^hich gave it
a deep crimson colour. Many conjectures were fornied concern-
ing the cause o*' tliis appearance. It was at once determined that
it coulil not arise from the dung of birds, as thousands of these, of
various descriptions, were seen repeatedly sitting on the ice, and
on the snow, but without producing any such ellect.
At two P. M. it fell nearly calm, and I sent a boat with Mr
Ross, Mr Beverley, and a party, to bring off some of the snow,
ami to make their remarks on the circumstances attending it:
also to procure specimens of the animal, vegetalilc, and mineral
kingdoms, and to ascertain if tliis part of the country was iiilia-
bited : tiie boat arrived at the shore, nearly at low water, and
found the tiile had fillen nine feet. The party remained two
hours on shore, and found the cliffs accessible at the spot where
thev landed, but they did n.')t get to the top, being recalled iu
consequence of a breeze wliich spr.ung up. ihey >vere equally
unsuccessful in meeting with natives, or their habitations, as in
procuring specimens of the black fox, many of which they saw
juul fired at, but without effect. They found the snow was pene-
trated even down to the rock by the colouring matter — a ileptli
often or twelve feet, and that it had the appearance of being a
long time in that state. We examined the snow by a microscope,
magnifying a hundred and ten times ; and the substance appeared
to consist of particles resembling a very minute round s.-'cd,
which was of the same size, and deep red colour : on some of the
particles a small dark speck was also seen. It was the general
opinion of the oflicers, that it must be vegetable, and tliis opinion
.seemed to gain strengtli, by the nature of the places where it was
found. These were the sides of the hills, about six hundred feet
high, the tops of which were covered with vegetation of a yel-
lowish-green and reddish-brown colours. The extent of these
cliffs were al)f)ut eight miles ; behind tliem at a considerable dis-
tance, high mountains «ere seen, but the snow which covered
these was not coloured
In the evening, I cuised some of the snow to be dissolved and
bottled, when the water had the appearance of muddy port vine.
In a few hours it deposited a sediment, which was examined by
the microscope: some of it was bruised, and found to be com-
posed wholly of red matter: when ap|)lied to paper, it j)rodiiced
a colour resembling that of Indian red. I)r W'ollaston seems to
concur in that which we orisinally held, of its being a vegetable
substance, produced on the mountain immediately above it. It
cannot be a marine prodiu'tion, as in several places we saw it at
least" six miles from the sea, but always on the face or near the
foot of a mountain.
'A'hatover n.y own notions respecting tlie real nature of the
epace passed over in th'j foregoing run, from Cape Saumarez to
as
Cape Clarence, might have been, and whatever my own e.\])ec-
tations were, aa to tlie probabih'ty of an opening in this direction,
the ardour existing at home for the discovery of a north-west
passage, and the cotifidence with Avhich the supposed situation
of such an opening has been transferred to one spot, as fast as it
has been found not to exist in another, render it necessary to re-
capitulate the circumstances which disprove its existence in this
place, which forms the northermost extremity of Baffin's Bay.
On the 19th of August, at fifty minutes past midnight, the
ship being nearly on the seventy- seventh degree of north lati-
tude, ten leagues to the westward of Cape vSaumarez, which
forms the east side, and the bottom of this bay, the land was
distinctly seen. On the 20th and 21st, when off Cape Clarence,
at the distance of six leagues, the land which forms the west side,
and the bottom ot this bay, was also distinctly seen by the officers
and myself, and by these two observations the coast is determined
to be connected all round. At each of these periods, this im-
mense bay was observed to be covered with field ice ; besides
which, a vast chain of large icebergs was seen to extend across
it. These were apparently aground, and had probably been
driven on shore there by southerly gales. It was also observed,
that the tide rose and fell only four feet, and that the stream was
scarcely perceptible.
From these several considerations, it appears perfectly certain,
that the land is here continuous, and that there is no opening at
the northernmost part of Baffin's Bay, from Hackluit's Island to
Cape Clarence. Even if it be imagined that some narrow Strait
may exist through these mountains, it is evident, that it must
for ever be unnavigable, and that there is not even a chance of
ascertaining its existence, since all approach to the bottoms of
these bays is prevented by the ice which fills them to so great a
depth, and appears never to have moved from its station.
Being thus satisfied th.it there could be no further inducement
to continue longer in this place, and it being necessary to husband
the little time yet remaining, for the work which was still to be
done, I shaped my course, on the morning of the 21st, towards
the next opening which appeared in view to the westward.
Several copper cylinders, containing- an account of our pro-
ceedings, were left on the floating ice, when we left the bay.
IINIS.