348 [chap.vl 



CHAPTER VI. 



Feast of Loons. — Mr. Vaugharis Path. — Perilous Ex- 

 cursion. — White Whales. — Carpenters busy under- 

 mining Ship- — Result of Labours. — Polar Expeditions. 



Nariohales. — Report of Health. — Cannonading Floe. 



— Cheerfod Labours in sawing away the Ice. — Employ- 

 ment for Armourer. — Impediments from Calves. — New 

 Rent discovered. — Report of the Ships Drift. — Ship 

 bursts her Bonds. — Novelty of Scene. — Stern-post shattered. 



Officers' Opinion in favour of Return to England. — 



Awkwardness of Situation. ■— Expedition frustrated. — 

 Ship's Draught increased. — Visited by Esquimaux. — 

 Ship struck by a Floe. — Shattered Condition of Ship. — 

 Sail for England.— Arrival at Chatham. 



In the diary of the last month I have had few 

 incidents to record, and I am sensible that to 

 the general reader it may have presented little to 

 attract attention. It is, however, the duty of 

 navigators to detail with some minuteness such 

 facts as, however in themselves uninteresting, 

 may hereafter be found useful as guides to those 

 who follow in the career of adventure, and I 

 proceed therefore with my journal. 



June 1st. The temperature fell to 23° + , but 

 the lane astern, as well as two or three others, 

 continued open, and some loons and seals being 

 discovered, several parties went in quest of them, 

 but without much success. Much light snow 



