1852.] REMARKS ON CLOTHING, ETC. 165 



seal-skins* obtained at Greenland, but that they will not 

 last we can plainly see. They are like our seal-skin 

 dresses provided in England, offensive even to talk about. 

 Those purchased at Lievely have turned out better : ne- 

 cessity there has taught them the proper mode of cu- 

 ring the skins, and they are thin, light, and flexible. A 

 preparation of Mackintosh and linen or silk externally, 

 and fine, close, light cloth within, would have been in- 

 finitely preferable. Further, every article of clothing has 

 been mis-supplied : nothing to fit, and therefore nothing 

 comfortable: and not a tailor on board to alter! Of 

 this the Government has always been kept in ignorance, 

 and the routine has been perpetuated under the several 

 commanders of these expeditions. The old principle, es- 

 tablished in well -regulated ships about the year 1821, of 

 allowing a certain number of contractors to fit the men, 

 muster them before pay-day, and deposit their ticketed 

 clothes until the First Lieutenant saw they were paid 

 for, and the duplicate taken for later distribution, could 

 easily have been pursued here, and would have afforded 

 great satisfaction. I was measured, it is true, but my 

 clothes never were intended for a man under six feet, 

 and plenty of room in arms and chest for very exten- 

 sive smuggling. Fortunately, I did not reckon on the 

 gratuitous supply, and obtained one warm ship suit; 

 that for travelling I was lucky enough to obtain from 

 the Governor at Lievely. 



To myself all the blame is due, or rather to my want 

 of opportunity or time to look after other even more im- 



( These seal-skins were specially obtained for this purpose at Green- 

 land, but were totally useless for such service. 



