352 SPITSBERGEN 



and often misapplying old names, so that the same name 

 is found in different charts applied to different points, and 

 different names to the same point. Finally the Norwegian 

 skippers and the scientific explorers of the present century 

 have created further confusion, so that now the nomencla- 

 ture of this region is in a condition of astonishing con- 

 fusion. I have, therefore, made a careful study of all the 

 old MS. and other charts to which it has been possible for 

 me to obtain access, with a view to discovering what was 

 the original designation of each point — a matter of no little 

 importance and interest, seeing how much local history is 

 fossilised in names. My researches are far from complete. 

 The present chapter is a mere sketch, which will doubtless 

 need revision hereafter. I propose to start at the south 

 Cape, and work up the west coast of Spitsbergen and 

 round the whole island, taking the various named points in 

 geographical succession. I shall then similarly treat the 

 neighbouring islands. The references are to the various 

 authorities named at the close of the chapter. I have not 

 included designations from charts or books later than 

 Scoresby (1820). References to Martens are to the following 

 book : — F. Martens, Spitzbergische Reisebeschreibung y Hamburg, 

 1675 (English translation, Hakluyt Society, 1855). 



Ronde Klip (Middelhoven, 1634). — The island off the S. Cape. 



Point Look-Out, — So named in Hessel Gerritsz (16 13). In Dutch it is 

 Kaap de Kyckuyt or Uyt Kyk (passim) ; Generaels hoeck (Joris, 

 1614). Premiere pointe (Cash, 1629); Whale's Back (Van Keulen, 

 1689). 



Mount Hedgehog. — This is the name given in Purchas to a prominent 

 peak at the south end of the island, which can be none other than 

 the Horn Sunds Tind of the Norwegians. There is only one 

 mountain in this part, visible from both coasts, and from far to 

 the south, which by far overtops all neighbouring peaks. It is 

 called Mount Edge in Kdge's chart (1625); misprinted Mound 

 Pgle, and misplaced by Van Keulen (1689) : Gerritsz (16 13) calls 



