1870 WESTERN SLEDGE JOURNEY. 25 



Hunt Island. The coast-line is broken by three bays, 

 two of which are of considerable extent ; and off the 

 points, and now and again for a few continuous miles, 

 are projecting low spits and ice ridges. The hummocks 

 do not come in close to Ward Hunt Island, its northern 

 face being protected apparently by one of the usual 

 fenders. 



'loth. — Temperature 6°. The same persistent 

 head wind, and a fog which would rival the densest 

 specimen ever experienced in London on a November 

 day. The crew are less lively in spirits than usual ; I 

 fancy the miserable weather, their stiff legs, and extra 

 wear and tear due to so much fog, all combine to 

 subdue them a little. I should like to give them a 

 rest, but they are as anxious as I am to get on. Under 

 way at 3.30 a.m. Weather cleared a little. Steered 

 to cross the usual incline, which runs from Cape 

 Bicknor, the extreme point now in sight. I remained 

 behind to get a sketch of the land, &c, and on over- 

 taking the sledge found it making but slow progress. 

 The Sergeant and Doidge struggle manfully on ; but 

 they are not up to much, and there are a few more 

 not much better. The actual weight on the sledge is 

 nothing comparatively, but it is the inability to walk 

 rather than drag well which impedes the party. We 

 in time came to a piece of down-hill, on our descent to 

 another bay or inlet, a portion of which easy travelling 

 I reserved for to-morrow, to ease the stiff legs at 

 starting. Shall make a short march to-morrow, in 

 the hopes it may do the men good. It will be their 

 first spell since leaving the ship. 



' 14$. — Boused cook at 3 a.m., having given all 



