644 AT SEA, BOUND SOUTHWARD. 



sistance was required. At the close of the month of May 

 the party were ready to make a determined attempt to 

 push southward. The boats were each twenty-five feet 

 long, with five feet beam, square at either end, but 

 turned up. They were capable of carrying seven men 

 each, with stores for two months. 



While the boats were building, those not employed on 

 them were busy packing stores. Hunting expeditions 

 were also frequently sent out fresh game, such as rein- 

 deer, etc., being not only a luxury, but almost a necessity 

 to ward off scurvy. 



As before intimated, the health of the entire party was 

 excellent throughout the winter, but just as they were 

 about to embark in the attempt to push southward, that 

 fell foe of the Arctic navigator, the scurvy, broke out 

 among our friends. Happily, the cases turned out to be 

 of a trivial character; yet, but for a plentiful supply of 

 walrus liver, kindly provided by the Esquimaux, the dis- 

 ease might have assumed alarming proportions. 



At last, about the 1st of June, the boats were launched, 

 and some disappointment was experienced on finding that 

 they leaked rather more than had been anticipated, and, 

 indeed, more than was quite safe. Still, no other means 

 of escape were available, and escape they must. So the 

 preparations were completed, the boats were stored with 

 all the provisions they would carry, guns and ammunition 

 were taken on board, and, on the 3d, our friends bid 

 adieu to their snug winter quarters and to their generous 

 friends, the Esquimaux. Capt. Buddington commanded 

 one, and Mr. Chester the other, boat. 



Once under way, the feeling of disappointment and in- 

 security was soon dispelled, and the spirits of the entire 

 party were raised to a high pitch by finding that the boats 

 sailed remarkably well, and were easy to pull. 



The first day, Sonntag Bay was reached. After remain- 

 ing there a short time to recuperate their energies, the 



