OF THE POLAR SEA. 



CHAPTER XI. 



lur Sea, in two Canoes, 



1821. We intended to have embarked early this 

 July 20. morning, and to have launched upon an 

 element, which was more congenial with our 

 habits than the fresh- water navigations, and 

 their numerous difficulties and impediments we 

 had hitherto encountered, but which v/as alto- 

 gether new to our Canadian voyagers. We were 

 detained, however, by a strong north-east gale, 

 which continued the whole day, with constant 

 thunder showers ; the more provoking as our 

 nets procured but few fish, and we had to draw 

 Upon our store of dried meat ; which, with other 

 provision for the journey, amounted only to fifteen 

 <Jays' consumption. Indeed, we should have 

 preferred going dinnerless to bed rather than 

 encroach on our small stock, had we not been 

 desirous of satisfying tlie appetites, and cheering 

 the spirits, of our Canadiiin companions at the 

 commencement of our voyage. These thought- 

 less people would, at any time, incur the hazard 



Vol. If. * O 



