BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 155 
We now returned, and anchored off Cape Lisburne on the 23rd of 
August. When we obtained the first sight of this promontory, it was 
covered with snow. This, however, on my landing the following day, 
had nearly disappeared, and had injured the vegetation less than might 
have been expected. Cape Lisburne is the most elevated part of the 
north-west coast. It is principallyformed of argillaceous slate, “ swine" ? 
and limestone, and abounds in rare and beautiful alpine plants. Savi- 
Jraga Richardsoni grew profusely in damp places. Torrey and Gray 
suppose its flowers to be white, but they only approach that colour 
when fading. The ovary, the stamens, and the base of the petals are . 
purple, the apex of the petals is either flesh- or rose-coloured, with 
veins of a deeper tint. The petals of the Spider-plant (Saxifraga fla- 
gellaris), another production of Cape Lisburne, are of a deep yellow 
colour, with red dots upon their inner base, precisely the same as 
those of Savifraga Hirculus. The sterile plants of this species have 
very much the appearance of young Semperviva. Dodecatheon frigidum, 
Cham., was also plentiful: its petals are purplish-violet, at the base 
yellowish-white. 
Leaving Cape Lisburne, we steered for Point Hope, and met there 
two of the boats that had been despatched towards the Mackenzie 
River, and the Nancy Dawson. The schooner had penetrated as far as 
Elson Bay, from whence the two lighter boats had taken their final 
leave for the Mackenzie, while the two larger, in company with the 
Nancy Dawson, returned to Point Hope. They brought with them no 
information whatever respecting Sir John Franklin’s expedition. The 
Herald, after experiencing several severe gales and very bad weather, 
reached Kotzebue Sound on the 2nd of September, where the Plover, 
Nancy Dawson, and the boats, were found safely anchored near 
Chloris’ Peninsula. During this cruize the dredge had been frequently 
in use, by means of which marine animals and seaweeds were obtained. 
The Alge are few as to species, and all of extremely delicate texture. 
Several snow-storms and severe night-frosts had greatly altered the 
aspect of Kotzebue Sound. Mosquitoes had disappeared, Mosses and 
Lichens were advanced, the Arbutus alpina, the most common plant of 
this district, had assumed its autumnal dress, and, in fine, everything be- 
spoke the fast approach of winter. Nevertheless, some of my excur- 
sions on Chamisso Island and Chloris’ Peninsula were profitable. The 
country adjacent to the Sound produces a prodigious number of berries, 
x 2 
