NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 177 



And hence, notwithstanding the many obstruc- 

 tions which impeded our course, still with perse- 

 verance and unyielding purpose we pressed on 

 our way. 



When our eyes were in their worst state, we 

 were compelled to suspend our travels altogeth- 

 er ; and when they were better, then we started 

 again, and again led each other with strings, un- 

 til sight returned to all. 



The remedy resorted to in order to cure our 

 eyes was that prescribed by the natives, and 

 which they invariably employ, with considerable 

 success, in the removal of this disease, to which 

 they are subject. Some of us will carry the 

 scars to our graves. An incision was made in 

 the fleshy part of the nose, between the eyes, by 

 a sharp-pointed knife or some other instrument. 

 The effect of this treatment was, that by letting 

 out a small quantity of blood, it reduced the in- 

 flammation in our eyes. 



We reached the long looked for and wished 

 for East Cape on the 25th day of March, just six 

 months after we were cast away. We would, 

 therefore, as we review the past, — its scenes of 

 danger, exposure, and suffering amid the intensest 

 cold and death-bearing winds of an arctic winter, 

 — gratefully acknowledge the special watchcare 

 12 



