194 THE WHALEMAN ; OR, 



was a variety of coarse grass. The entire region 

 being destitute of wood, and almost of every 

 species of shrubbery that could really be called 

 such, the soil consequently was exceedingly bar- 

 ren of vines, plants, or flowers. There were, 

 however, a few flowering plants which made 

 their appearance in the transient summer allotted 

 to them. 



The rocks were covered with coarse moss, and 

 wherever the sun melted away the snow from the 

 hill sides, or plains, or valleys, a small vine would 

 start into life ; this vine afforded, as has before 

 been observed, the only bread of the natives. 



We never learned that the natives north of 

 East Cape ever attempted to plant any seed, or 

 to raise any kind of vegetables. 



THE FACE OF THE COUNTRY. 



The shores of the arctic are bold and rocky, 

 and bordered with high, frowning cliffs. As far 

 as the eye could extend in an inland direction, 

 snow-capped peaks, and finally lofty mountain 

 ranges, filled the whole field of vision. 



FISH. 



Besides the whale, which is the sovereign of 

 those seas, there are seals, walruses, sharks, nar- 

 whal, cod, salmon, &c. 



