270 LAIPORTANCE OF DISKO 



in the hands of Great Britain it would be rendered of 

 great importance in many points of view. On account of 

 the insignificant appearance of the place, as it now stands, 

 government would find it not difficult to obtain possession 

 of it ; and in the course of one summer it might be placed 

 in such a state of respectability and comfort, as would 

 enable an English colony to attach itself to such a re- 

 sidence ; and in the event of the strait becoming more 

 frequented, in consequence of the discovery of the north- 

 west passage, it is indispensably requisite that a proper 

 force should be established, either at Lievely, or some of 

 the islands in South-east Bay, to be at hand for the 

 protection of British commerce, in case of any future 

 misunderstanding with other states. When the advantages 

 .of such a design come to be known sufficiently, this plan 

 will appear the more necessary. 



The situation of Lievely is peculiarly adapted for the 

 establishment of such a colony, as it possesses a snug 

 harbour, naturallj^ protected by islands on the west side, 

 and the high rock of Disko, called the Black Land, which 

 overhangs the sea to the eastward of the harbour, and 

 defends it from the ice. The skirt of Disko on the south 

 side is low, in comparison with the general elevation of 

 the mountain which rises almost in a perpendicular front, 

 and at an average distance of two miles from the sea to 

 where the rock rises most abruptly. The approach to the 



