i68 FALSE STRAIT. Chap. XI. 



it fast. If the weather permits, we shall remain here for a 

 few days and watch the effect of winds and tides upon it ; 

 that the ship will get any farther seems improbable. 



lot/i. — I have explored the small inlet near Cape Bird, 

 which we have named False Strait, from its striking resem- 

 blance to the true one, and find it is only separated from 

 the long lake by half a mile of low land ; the lake we have 

 ascertained to be about 12 miles long, and from it valleys 

 extend eastward and southward, so that we are sure of a good 

 sledge route — an important matter, as the hills rise to 1600 

 feet above the sea. 



Cape Bird is 500 feet high ; from its summit we carefully 

 observe the ice. This granite coast presents a jagged 

 appearance ; it is deeply indented and studded with islets. 

 The ice in the western sea is much more broken up than it 

 was upon the 31st ultimo; there is no longer any fixed ice 

 except within the grasp of the islets. The " western sea " 

 here mentioned is a continuation of Peel Sound. It has 

 been navigated by Franklin only, and by him proved to be 

 a strait. I have deemed it due to that distinguished man 

 to designate it " Sir John Franklin Strait." 



Birds and animals have become very scarce ; three seals 

 have been shot, and a bear seen. To-morrow we shall 

 return to our harbour, and endeavour to procure a few more 

 reindeer before they migrate southward. 



\2tJ1. — Yesterday we anchored within the entrance of our 

 creek, being a more convenient position than up at its head. 

 We are already in our wintering position, and, having 

 scarcely any occupation, one day seems most remarkably 

 like another. Although the fondly cherished hope of push- 

 ing farther in our ship can no longer be entertained, yet as 

 long as the season continues navigable, it is our duty to be 

 in readiness to avail ourselves of any opportunity, however 

 improbable, of being able to do so. 



