156 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
which proved of great value to the ships, after having been so long 
without any vegetable food; they are also actively gathered by the 
natives, who, during this season, almost live upon them. There are 
eight different kinds, viz. :—Vacciniwm uliginosum, V. Vi itis-idea, V. 
Oxycoccus, Rubus acaulis, R. Chamemorus, Arbutus alpina, Cornus 
Suecica, and Empetrum nigrum. 
In Eschholz Bay, Kotzebue Sound, a river empties itself, which was 
discovered by Captain Beechey, and called by him in commemoration 
of Professor Buckland, the celebrated geologist. The hostile disposi- 
tion of the aborigines prevented him from ascending it; but as an 
amicable relation was now established, Captain Kellett resolved to ex- 
plore it. Leaving the ship at noon of the 8th of September, we 
reached Elephant Point towards the evening. The remarkable ice- 
formation of that place was again visited, and some fossil bones col- 
lected. Enormous portions of the cliffs had separated, proving beyond 
doubt that the ice is not a mere superficial coating, but a regular 
berg, covered with alluvial soil. Similar formations are frequent all 
along the banks of the Buckland, and their continued thawing seems 
to indicate an increasing temperature towards the pole. The river, 
which has several deltas densely covered with Hippuris maritima and 
Eriophorum angustifolium, discharges its waters through two channels. 
We entered on the following day, and anchored opposite a native en- 
campment on the right bank. The Esquimaux were exceedingly 
friendly, inviting us into their tents, and placing raw meat and berries 
before us. They also gave us a root to eat, which they called Ma-shoo : 
it had been roasted in the ashes, and resembled in taste the potato. 
I was anxious to obtain a sight of the plant which produced it, and, 
for a few pieces of tobacco, induced some of the natives to show it to 
me, when I found it identical with Polygonum viviparum, Linn., a herb 
common from Behring's Straits to Wainwright's Inlet. As wicks for 
their lamps, the natives employ Sphagnum angustifolium. Of Allium 
Sibiricum, which here grows in great abundance, they did not seem to 
make any use, though to our frugal meals it proved an acceptable 
acquisition, 
On the 10th of September the boats ascended, About noon we 
climbed a hill, from the top of which a fine panoramic view presented 
itself. The river takes a southerly direction, and forms several islets in its 
bed. The banks are generally low, the water shallow even for boats, 
