BENNETT ISLAND. 667 



that to-morrow we shall have a seal for supper. The 

 land showed just once, about 5 a. m., and we are seem- 

 ingly quite close to our point. It still bears west, but 

 hardly had we seen it than down shut the fog thicker 

 than ever. 



Supper at 7.30. Divine service at 8.30. Piped 

 down at nine a. m. Immediately after a cry was raised 

 "a bear," and away rushed three or four in pursuit. 

 We soon heard two shots, but at 9.45 A. m. all returned 

 without any game. The natives fired at about one 

 thousand yards, but rather wildly, I imagine. Bruin is 

 described as not very large, (sour grapes?) and of a 

 dirty brown color. 



As I was very tired upon turning in, I at first slept 

 very soundly ; but towards morning (i. e. evening) I 

 became wakeful. During one of these breaks, I heard 

 two shots fired at some distance. Supposing it to be 

 another wild goose chase, I paid no attention to it, and 

 resumed my sleep; but at six p. M., when Mr. Cole 

 called all hands, I learned that at four p. m. Gortz had 

 killed a bear. Bruin came within five hundred yards of 

 the camp, and Gortz crawled within one hundred yards 

 of him unnoticed, and planted his two bullets with good 

 results. 



Fog still continues. Light airs from east. Tempera- 

 ture 28°. What lovely weather for the last week in 

 July ! Breakfast at seven p. m. Under way at eight 

 p. m. Start fleet where lead bent to west. Go clown it 

 in dingy. Lead closes. Much trouble. Strike hard ice 

 finally, but much difficulty in getting gear up to it- 

 Succeed by 12.45 a. m. 



July 25th, Monday. — Sent Dunbar ahead, across an 

 ugly mess. He and doctor go together. Strike hard 

 ice, and at its edge they see low point, through fog, 



