DETAINED BY THE ICE. 329 



veered a couple of points to the northward, and 

 increased to a gale, which made it impossible 

 to move with our cargo. But, wishing to as- 

 certain if there was any prospect of a lead 

 through the ice inshore, the boat was sent quite 

 light, with directions to the steersman to land, 

 and examine the whole length along the western 

 edge ; and, at the same time, to see if the nature 

 of the ground would allow of our making a 

 portage. At 8 a.m. he returned, with a report 

 that the ice was closely packed, with so heavy a 

 surf running that any attempt to approach it 

 might stave the boat ; while the land side, he 

 said, was equally impracticable, owing tp the 

 unevenness of the rocks. There was, therefore, 

 nothing left, but to remain patiently until a 

 change of wind or its violence should demolish 

 the ice and make a passage for us. This accord- 

 ingly was gradually effected, and about sunset 

 we had the satisfaction to perceive a clear space, 

 so far as could be judged up to the blue land 

 in the distance. We now, therefore, only waited 

 for an abatement of the gale to take advantage 

 of this good fortune. 



The night was squally ; but the wind having 

 somewhat moderated, we got away at 5 o'clock 

 on the following morning, July 15th, the ther- 

 mometer then standing at 38°. The stream 

 stiil carried us to the south-east, and though the 

 different bays and openings to the westward were 



