TO THE ARCTIC REGIONS. 165 
speak. His precise words are, “ If made us so short- 
“breathed that we were scarce able to speak.’ 
What Captain James attributed to the snow-water 
was most probably one of the incipient symptoms 
of scurvy, or some other complaint, brought on by 
the cold and comfortless situation in which they 
passed the winter in Hudson Bay. I ought per- 
haps to defer, however, saying any thing on this 
subject until we have got through the winter our- 
selves, lest we should be so unfortunate as to 
prove that his report was true; but until then 
I shall have some doubt whether snow-water does 
produce that effect. 
Thursday, 23d. — The officers performed the 
play called «The Mayor of Garratt’? this even- 
ing, and after it a piece written purposely for the 
occasion, by Mr. Parry, called the ‘* North-West — 
«« Passage, or the Voyage Finished.”’ I believe the 
object of this piece was to point out to the men 
the probability there was of our accomplishing the 
discovery of the north-west passage, and the rewards 
and honours that would be heaped upon all on re- 
turning home, after performing such an extraordi- 
nary service. And, as far as I was able to judge, it 
appeared to answer remarkably well the purpose for 
which it was intended. ‘The thermometer in the 
open air at the time of the performance was at 32°, 
and on deck, even where the people were sitting, 
it was as low as 19° during the whole representation; 
but the pleasure they derived from seeing a scene 
exhibiting their own character in so favourable a 
point of view, completely overcame any incon- 
M 3 
