52 SHIP FOLLOWED BY ESQUIMAUX. 



which, as seen through the haze, seemed isolated, 

 but as we neared it proved to be part of a low 

 island. There were several others almost in a 

 line with it, all presenting the same sombre as- 

 pect which characterised the coast generally, 

 except one, which was relieved by a light yellow 

 colour as of sand, but which, on inspection with 

 a telescope, was found to be rock. The land 

 behind the islands was tolerably high, and bold, 

 broken into bluffs and points, and, from its in- 

 dented shape, probably formed some good har- 

 bours. 



The ship was now going at the rate of five 

 knots through the water, when two Esquimaux 

 kieyaks were seen endeavouring to overtake us ; 

 presently the wind becoming more fair the stud- 

 ding-sails and royals were set, and the speed of 

 course increased. The poor Esquimaux never- 

 theless paddled away with all their might, and 

 finally succeeded in coming up with us, though 

 almost in a state of exhaustion. They had little 

 to offer except the horn of a narwal ; and, after 

 receiving a few bits of iron hoop, they went aw r ay 

 but ill compensated for the fatigue which they 

 had undergone. 



About 6 p. m. the weather became very thick, 

 and snow fell so abundantly as completely to 

 cover the decks and boats. The wind also 

 changed to the north, so that we could no 



