196 ROSS'S SECOND VOYAGE. 



ing, served to heat and dry the room. The strength 

 and spirits of the crew were supported by regular meals 

 and constant occupation. Divine service was duly per- 

 formed, and religious instruction dispensed at a school 

 held every Sunday evening. On the other nights a 

 school also was attended. 



The stock of provisions, on examination, was found 

 sufficient for two years and ten months at full allowance, 

 a quantity which could easily be managed so as to last 

 three years. Fuel was equally abundant. The only 

 article deficient was spirits, of which there was only 

 one year's full supply ; but this want the commander 

 by no means regretted, being satisfied that their habitual 

 use impaired the strength of the seaman, diminished his 

 power of enduring cold, and rendered him more liable to 

 scurvy. He was gratified, therefore, when the crew 

 cheerfully consented to their being withheld, unless on 

 special occasions ; and he considers this circumstance 

 as having remarkably contributed to the preservation 

 of their health. 



Traces of Esquimaux had been observed on different 

 parts of the coast, but none had been hitherto seen. 

 At length, on the morning of the 9th of January, 1830, 

 a party were discovered. Ross immediately proceeded 

 to the spot, upon which they retreated, but soon re- 

 turned with a body of their companions, ranged in a 

 line of ten in front and three deep, one man being 

 detached, who appeared to be sitting in a sledge. The 

 captain, having sent for his nephew and some of the 

 crew, desired them to remain behind, while he walked 

 toward the Esquimaux, who were armed with spears 

 and knives. He hailed them by the well-known national 

 salutation, Tima / tima! which was shouted by them in 

 return. The navigators then advanced, and, throwing 

 away their guns, called out, Aja, tima! upon which 



