1853.] CAIRN ON BARROW ISLAND. 349 



uncertainty at an end. Those would inform the visitor 

 "that in the butt-end of the spar, closed by a well-pre- 

 pared plug, full information would be found." The roll 

 on which they were inscribed was protected by tinfoil 

 and glue, again by bladder, and finally by tinfoil : it 

 may last for ages. The casks and other pieces of wood 

 strewed about them would afford substantial fuel for 

 heat, as well as cooking : they were not reduced. 



Richards found at the rendezvous, that Lieutenant 

 Osborn had taken the boat and gone to the south-east, 

 to examine the coast between Cape Lady Franklin and 

 Cape Marshall, and Goodsir's furthest : as his date and 

 provision would expire on the 15th, we should not be 

 long in doubt. My orders for his guidance, sent by Mr. 

 Loney, w r ere left at the rendezvous. Richards and Loney 

 then proceeded to examine Barrow Island, but without 

 discovering the remotest trace of our missing countrymen. 

 A cairn was constructed, and notice left ; they then re- 

 paired to the ship. The sooner therefore we show our- 

 selves on the dark-blue wave, the sooner our stray sheep 

 will rejoin. A depot was prepared for Loney's station, at 

 the southern point of the bay. I visited my main station 

 on Pioneer Island, and obtained a clear view around ; took 

 leave, and on the morning of the 14th, eleven months 

 from the date of our quitting Beechey Island, started in 

 the 'Hamilton' to place the depot on Loney's Point, 

 the southern and well-known station of this sound, sur- 

 mounting it by a large blue and yellow flag, horizontally 

 divided. I was yet doubtful as to the moment of start- 

 ing, and had prepared provision for " sleeping out," etc. 

 Having already ordered 'Pioneer' to have her steam up, 



