May, 185S. MEET THE WHALERS. 95 



of the Whalefish Islands, but were deceived by the tides ; 

 suddenly a small, low islet was seen on the lee bow ; not 

 being able to pass to windward, we were obliged to wear 

 ship, and, in doing so, she passed within her own length of 

 destruction — for we were certainly within a few yards of the 

 rocks ! The islet was covered with snow, and, but for some 

 very few dark points of rock showing through, it could not 

 be distinguished from ice. On the nth the weather im- 

 proved, and in the evening we came to our present anchor- 

 age. From a hill we can watch an opportunity to enter 

 Godhavn. Notwithstanding the blowing weather, some 

 natives came about five miles off to us ; the water washed 

 over their little kayaks, and kept the occupants' sealskin 

 dresses streaming with wet up to their shoulders ; this part 

 of their dress seems rather part of the kayak, as it is 

 attached to it round the hole in which the kayaker sits, so 

 that no water can enter. It is wonderful to see how closely 

 a man can assimilate his habits to those of a fish. 



The Banish cooper in charge of this out-station tells us 

 there are thirteen English whalers already out, and some of 

 them have been up to the north end of Disco ; two vessels 

 are in sight. The world, it appears, is at peace. Petersen 

 was at one time in charge of this station ; he is now seeking 

 out his old acquaintances. 



14///.— Summer has suddenly burst upon us — thermo- 

 meter up to 40 ; moreover, we are enjoying English news- 

 papers, and have dined off roast beef and vegetables ! 



Two days ago I sent a note off to a whaler by a kayak, 

 requesting her captain to lend me some newspapers; the 

 note reached Captain J. Walker, of the 'Jane,' and yester- 

 day his ship, accompanied by the 'Heroine,' Captain J. 

 Simpson, approached us, and they both came in to call 

 upon me, each of them bringing the very acceptable present 

 of some newspapers, besides a quarter of beef, with vege- 



