250 A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY 
in the evening, where we were received with every 
demonstration of a hearty welcome ; after having 
performed a journey of at least one hundred and 
eighty miles, since, by the most moderate com- 
putation, I think we must have averaged twelve 
miles a-day. In giving the account of this journey, 
Tam perfectly aware that I have been’ more minute 
in many instances than the subject of which I was 
treating merited ; but I thought that, by attempt- 
ing to cull it,. | might omit some circumstances that 
deserved to be mentioned. I have, therefore, given 
the whole almost verbatim from the notes which I 
made at the time on the spot. 
Friday, 16th. — Nothing occurred on_ board 
worthy of particular notice during the time we 
were away ; getting the ballast in, and re-stowing 
the holds, were, I believe, the principal things 
done during our absence. A very great difference 
however, has taken place in the state of the country 
around Winter Harbour, for those parts that were 
covered with snow when we left it, are now 
abounding with plants of various kinds begin- 
ning to blossom ; in fact, the aspect of the coun- 
try is so much changed, that, were we not so 
thoroughly acquainted with every place in this 
neighbourhood, we should hardly recognise it 
again. The ice in the harbour has got con- 
siderably thinner, but there is no part of it open 
yet, nor is there indeed any appearance of its 
breaking up for some time. As there is no im- 
mediate prospect, therefore, of our leaving this 
for some time, it is intended to send a party from 
each ship with ten or twelve days’ provisions, in 
order to try what they can do in the way of pro- 
