OF THE POLAR SEA. 



367 



want of greater success to the entrance of some seals into the mouth 

 of the river. Embarking at six A.M. we paddled against a cold 

 breeze, until the spreading of a thick fog caused us to land. The 

 rocks here consisted of a beautiful mixture of red and gray granite, 

 traversed from north to south by veins of red felspar, which were 

 crossed in various directions by smaller veins filled with the same 



substance. 



At noon the wind coming from a favourable quarter tempted us 



to proceed, although the fog was unabated. We kept as close as we 





could to the main shore, but having to cross some bays, it became 

 a matter of doubt whether we had not left the main, and were 

 running along an island. Just as we were endeavouring to double 

 a bold cape, the fog partially cleared away, and allowed us an im- 

 perfect view of a chain of islands on the outside, and of much heavy 

 ice which was pressing down upon us. The shore near us was so 

 steep and rugged that no landing of the cargoes could be effected, 

 and we were preserved only by some men jumping on the rocks, and 



v - ■ ■ 



thrusting the ice off with poles. There was no alternative but to 

 continue along this dreary shore, seeking a channel between the 

 different masses of ice which had accumulated at the various points. 

 In this operation both the canoes were in imminent danger of being 

 crushed by the ice, which was now tossed about by the waves that 

 the gale had excited. The annexed print, from a drawing by 

 Mr. Back, will give the reader some idea of the peril of our situ- 

 ation, and the dreariness of our prospect. We effected a passage, 

 however, and keeping close to the shore, landed at the entrance of 

 Detention Harbour at nine P.M., having come twenty-eight miles. 

 An old Esquimaux encampment was traced on this spot ; and an ice 

 chisel, a copper knife, and a small iron knife were found under 

 the turf. I have named this cape after Mr. Barrow of the Admiralty, 

 to whose exertions are mainly owing the discoveries that have 

 recently been made in Arctic geography. An opening on its eastern 



