1854.] CAPTURE OF A FOX. 129 



Our last Division lias been delayed to this precon- 

 ceived date, in the expectation of a decided change of 

 season; and the temperature having risen to 23, and 

 the wind lulled, I determined to push forward Messrs. 

 Grove and Pirn, with the 'Dauntless' and 'Reward,' on 

 the morrow, should the weather continue propitious. 



March 16. With a fine fair wind and light hearts, 

 attended by an auxiliary crew, our friends departed, and, 

 as our sledges are now good sailing vessels, and, I may 

 add, well handled, they soon overran their jog-trot speed, 

 sending back our auxiliaries ; and, as the breeze shortly 

 after freshened considerably, I trust they may not only 

 make considerable progress, but also keep themselves 

 comfortable by the exercise necessary to keep up with 

 their " craft." Another inducement caused me to send 

 them off today, and that was the probability that Com- 

 mander Richards would, for the same opinion which I 

 have stated, make this his starting- day from Beechey 

 Island without waiting for their last sledges. The in- 

 crease of wind here furnishes no clue to the weather a 

 few miles southerly. There abrupt cliffs, varying from 

 seven hundred to eight hundred feet, afford complete 

 shelter from all winds ranging from north-easterly to 

 south (true) ; and when we experience a gale here, they 

 may be in perfect calm : at times however they may ex- 

 perience a gale from the opposite quarter ! Our return 

 party reported that Grove had captured a fox (in one of 

 our indefatigable Boatswain's traps), " and persuaded him 

 to volunteer to accompany them to Beechey Island." 



In all cases where theories are advanced and reasons 

 appended, it is but fair to state when and how they fail. 



VOL. II. K 



