256 POINT VICTORY. Chap. XVI. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Errors in Franklin's records — Relics found at the cairn — Reflections 

 on the retreat — Returning homeward — Geological remarks — 

 Difficulties of summer sledging — Arrive on board the ' Fox ' — 

 Navigable N.W. passage — Death from scurvy — Anxiety for 

 Captain Young — Young returns safely. 



On the morning of 2nd June we reached Point Victory. 

 Here Hobson's note left for me in the cairn informed me 

 that he had not found the slightest trace either of a wreck 

 anywhere upon the coast, or of natives to the north of Cape 

 Crozier. 



Although somewhat short of provisions, I determined to 

 remain a day here in order to examine an opening at the 

 bottom of Back Bay, called so after Sir George Back, by his 

 friend Sir James Ross, and which had not been explored. 

 This proved to be an inlet nearly 13 miles deep, with an 

 average width of 1 \ or 2 miles ; I drove round it upon the 

 dog sledge, but found no trace of human beings ; it was 

 filled with heavy old ice, and was therefore unfavourable for 

 the resort of seals, and consequently of natives also. 



The direction of the inlet is to the E.S.E. ; we found the 

 land on either side rose as we advanced up it, and attained 

 a considerable elevation, except immediately across its head, 

 where alone it was very low ; I have conferred upon it the 

 name of Collinson, after one who will ever be distinguished 

 in connexion with the Franklin search, and who kindly 

 relieved Lady Franklin of much trouble by taking upon 

 himself the financial business of this expedition. 



