June, 1858. A'/XDNESS OF THE WHALERS. ior 



bably the chief cause of success in white-whale fishing, which 

 is carried on here in the autumn, as those timid animals will 

 not permit boats to approach them in clear water. 



This evening we are crossing Omenak's Fiord, and the 

 land-wind, which here and all along the coast northwards 

 blows from the N.E., has come off to us. 



31st. — Lying fast to an iceberg off Upernivik. 



The whalers are all within a dozen miles of us, unable to 

 penetrate further north. The season appears forward, and 

 the ice much decayed ; but southerly winds prevail, retarding 

 its disruption and removal. Captain Parker, of the ' Emma,' 

 tells me he does not expect to make a north passage this 

 year, and as his experience extends over a period of at least 

 thirty years, I give his reason ; it is simply this, — that as 

 during the months of February, March, and April northerly 

 winds prevailed to an unusual degree, therefore southerly 

 winds may now be expected to continue ; if he prove a pro- 

 phet, it will be to our serious hindrance at this critical 

 season. Governor Fliescher says the winter has been mild ; 

 there has been but little wind, and that chiefly from the 

 southward. 



4t/i June. — We have received much kindness from our 

 friends Captains Parker and J. Simpson, as well as from 

 others of the whaling fleet; the former has generously 

 supplied us with many things we were rather short of, not 

 only in ship's stores, but provisions and coals, and in return 

 I have of course furnished him with a receipt for his owners. 

 Captain Simpson has most handsomely presented the ' Fox ' 

 with a sail and yards, which, after some slight alterations, 

 will enable us to add a main topsail to our spread of canvas. 

 For the two days we lay at the iceberg, alongside of the 

 ' Emma,' I made furious attacks upon Captain Parker's beef- 

 steaks and porter; we amply availed ourselves of his 

 hearty welcome. By the arrival of the fine steam 



