SIR J. C. ROSS'S EXPEDITION 



291 



Cape Bathurst, covered with unbroken ice, a small chan- 

 nel only existing in-shore, through which he threaded 

 his way to the vicinity of the cape. Failing in finding 

 a passage out to sea to the north of Cape Bathurst, he 

 remained in its vicinity, watching the ice for an open- 

 ing, until the approach of winter compelled him to 

 return to the Mackenzie. He had reached the sea on 

 the 22d of July, and he did not quit it till the 1st of 

 September. As he ascended the Mackenzie, ice was 

 driving rapidly down. "It was one continued drift of 

 ice and heavy snow-storms/ 3 He reached Fort Simp- 

 son on the 5th of October, and arrived in England to 

 take command of the North Star, and join the expedition 

 under Sir E. Belcher. 



