268 IMPORTANCE OF DISKO 



causes, they remain unexplored. To the supineness of 

 the few Danes residing in those places that neglect is to 

 be attributed. On being sent into those parts they sink 

 into an habitual languor, more remarkable than even the 

 characteristic tranquillity of the natives. Such habits unfit 

 the Danes for much exertion, and they consequently drag 

 out the years of their banishment in a state of inactivity ; 

 whilst even such of that nation as, from their superior 

 stiition, have an interest in remaining, scarcely do more 

 than collect the scanty superfluities of the natives, for which 

 some trifling articles are given in exchange. The natives 

 moreover, intent only on their seal hunting and other 

 aquatic pursuits, if successful, are totally regardless of 

 the future, and give themselves no concern about nautical 

 discoveries. To the Avhale hunters, as at present bound 

 by law, accident only can afford an opportunity of knowing 

 any thing of the matter. From one of the latter I suc- 

 ceeded in extorting by some address the following com- 

 munication, which he said he had received from an old 

 master in the Davis's Strait trade. 



" In Makkelik Ouit there is an entrance to a great 

 inland sea. So also there is a leading from Jacob's Bight, 

 probably into the same, through which two frigates, sup- 

 posed to be Enghsh, endeavoured to penetrate ; but one 

 had been involved in such dilhculties that she never 

 returned, and was lost with all on board. The name of 



