OF THE POLAR SEA. 201 



was unabated. We kept as close as we could to 

 the main shore, but having to cross some bays, 

 it became a matter of doubt whether we had not 

 left the main, and were running along an island. 

 Just as we were endeavouring to double a bold 

 cape, the fog partially cleared away, and allowed 

 us an imperfect view of a chain of islands on the 

 outside, and of much heavy ice which was pressing 

 down upon us. The shore near us was so steep 

 and rugged that no landing of the cargoes could 

 be effected, and we were preserved only by some 

 men jumping on the rocks, and thrusting the ice 

 off with poles. There was no alternative but to 

 continue along this dreary shore, seeking a chan- 

 nel between the different masses of ice which had 

 accumulated at the various points. In this opera- 

 tion both the canoes were in imminent danger 

 of being crushed by the ice, which was now 

 tossed about by the waves that the gale had ex- 

 cited. We effected a passage, however, and 

 keeping close to the shore, landed at the entrance 

 of Detention Harbour at nine P.M., having come 

 twenty-eight miles. An old Esquimaux encamp- 

 ment was traced on this spot ; and an ice chisel, 

 a copper knife, and a small iron knife were found 

 under the turf I have named this cape after Mr. 

 Barrow of the Admiralty, to whose exertions are 

 mainly owing the discoveries that have recently 



