274 IMPORTANCES OF DISKO 



it will then afford anchorage for fiftj^ ships, and be a 

 secure retreat in every season when the ice is broken up. 



The situation of Lievely is commanded only from the 

 lofty summit of Disko, which, from its great elevation, is 

 nearly inaccessible, and can be approached only from the 

 south-eastern extremity at Flat-foot shore ; and to this 

 latter place an enemy could not venture to approach 

 without being seen from Lievely, and counteracted in his 

 plans. A single observation will decide that point. During 

 the summer months there is no night at Disko, as every 

 person in the least acquainted with the globe must know. 

 During that "period therefore the regular succession of 

 guard could not fail to detect the presence of any hostile 

 force, and precautions could be easily taken to render any 

 attempt unavailing. 



Disko, therefore, becomes important in consideration of 

 its capabilities of aft'ording a comfortable residence during 

 the winter, at which time the N.W., N. and N.E. winds 

 prevail, against the severity of which a colony fixed at 

 Lievely would be completely sheltered ; and if well housed 

 with plenty of fuel, coal being found in the lands to the east 

 ward of South-east Bay, the business of casking the whale 

 fat (blubber) might well be carried on during the winter, 

 and the ships made ready for sea at the first opening of 

 the ice. Besides, as a convenient depot for goods con- 

 veyed by ships sailing by the new passage, and carrying 



