204 NEAREST THE POLE 



shoes sinking deeply into the saturated snow, and com- 

 ing up at each step loaded with several pounds of it; 

 but from here it was worse, the snow still softer and 

 underlaid with water, and the last two miles of the 

 five to the cape, over hummocky ice was almost 

 continuous wading through one pool after another. 



This bay makes up into a wide low valley between 

 the mountains on the east coast, and the mountains 

 extending back from the north point. 



As the region seemed rather inviting, it was care- 

 fully examined with the glasses, and tracks of musk- 

 oxen or deer made out in the snow. This was very 

 pleasing to me as my dogs are sadly in need of an 

 addition to their pemmican ration. 



Just before stepping on the gravel of the foreshore 

 which makes out from the bluffs of the north point, 

 I saw two hare, a step or two farther three more, then 

 another. At 3.50 a, m. I stepped ashore, followed 

 a few minutes later by my men. A little before this, 

 a flock of nineteen brant flew over us. 



I sent Egingwah away at once after the hare, told 

 Ooblooyah to look after the dogs, and slinging the 

 binoculars over my shoulders, started west for the 

 crest of the foreshore to see what was beyond. 



There was more moss on the gravel here than 

 at any place we touched on the Grant Land coast, 

 also an occasional tuft of grass and frequent purple 

 flowers. In the calm air, and brilliant sunshine, 

 the place had a very warm and inviting look (height- 

 ened by the sound of running water) which even m}^ 

 aching legs and ankles, and icewater-saturated feet 

 could not lessen. Only a few steps and I came 



