OP THE POLAR SEA. 035 



the strength of his ships, and the abundance of 

 provisions with which they are stored, I have 

 very little apprehension of his safety. As I un- 

 derstand his object was to keep the coast of 

 America close on board, he will find in the spring 

 of the year, before the breaking up of the ice can 

 permit him to pursue his voyage, herds of deer 

 flocking in abundance to all parts of the coast, 

 which may be procured without difficulty ; and, 

 even later in the season, additions to his stock of 

 provision may be obtained on many parts of the 

 coast, should circumstances give him leisure to 

 send out hunting parties. With the trawl or 

 seine nets also, he may almost every where get 

 abundance of fish even without retarding his 

 progress. Under these circumstances I do not 

 conceive that he runs any hazard of wanting 

 provisions, should his voyage be prolonged even 

 beyond the latest period of time which is calcu- 

 lated upon. Drift timber may be gathered at 

 many places in considerable quantities, and there 

 is a fair prospect of his opening a communication 

 with the Esquimaux, who come down to the coast 

 to kill seals in the spring, previous to the ice 

 breaking up ; and from whom, if he succeeds in 

 concihating their good-will, he may obtain provi- 

 sion, and much useful assistance. 



