REPORT OF EXPLORATIONS IN GREENLAND. 



By L. Kumlein. 



The Florence sailed from New London harbor August 2, 1878. The 

 general equipment was good, but some important items had been over- 

 looked, which occasioned the scientific department much inconvenience. 



The first harbor made was at Niantilic in Cumberland Gulf, after a 

 passage of forty-one days. The prevailing winds were easterly and 

 light, with much fog. Off Resolution Island a heavy northeast gale 

 was encountered which stove one boat and did other damage. The 

 ground was covered with snow on our arrival and it looked gloomy. 

 The stay in Mantilic was short; having procured some Eskimo we set 

 sail for the opposite shores of the gulf, and then for the North. Ar- 

 rived in Annanatook harbor (the head of Cumberland Gulf) October 7, 

 1878. Arrangements were immediately made for an observatory, con- 

 sisting of a canvas tent, around which a hut of snow was built. In this 

 illy-lighted and poorly- warmed structure Mr. Sherman and myself spent 

 oiu' time till July. 



During the winter we could procure Pagomys fcetidus at almost any 

 time. This is by far the most common seal in Cumberland and the prin- 

 cipal food of the Eskimo. Phoca harhata is only procured when there 

 is open water, as they do not have breathing-holes in the ice. Phoca 

 cristata was rare. Calloceplialus vituUnus is often taken by the Eskimo in 

 the salmon fjords. Pagophilus grcenlandicus common during open water. 

 Trichecus rosmarus is common around Cape Mercy and on the opposite 

 shores, but now not found at the head of the gulf, though their remains 

 are common. Reindeer could be procured at any time a short distance 

 from the coast inland, and even on the islands in winter. Lepus glacia- 

 Us is quite common in some localities, but only two were obtained at our 

 winter harbor. Canus occidenfalis are met with in roving bands where 

 the reindeer are the most common. Vulpes lagopus everywhere, but most 

 plenty where there are numbers of hare and ptarmigan. Ursus mariti- 

 mus is no rarity about Cape Mercy and the mouth of the gulf, but very 

 rarely seen in the upper fjords. A single lemming was procured, and 

 but two Mustela. Cetaceans of many species were common, especially 

 so Delphinapterus lucas (of which a fine skeleton was jirocured), and their 

 dreaded enemies Orca gladiator. An excellent series of skins, skeletons, 

 and skulls of Phoca fwtida were secured; they range from a 6-inch foetus 

 to the adult of 5 feet. Studies were attempted on the diseases of the 



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