START ON BOAT EXPEDITION. 215 



The two commanders, Kellett and Moore, had 

 resolved to make this the starting point for the oft- 

 tried expedition along the coast, and busy preparations 

 were immediately instituted to that end. 



Another pen than mine must record the events in 

 the remainder of the " Plover's " flight ; I have to tell 

 of the doings of her bantlings, from which she now 

 separated, and of which enough of interest and 

 adventm'e may be related. 



Four boats were selected for the contemplated 

 service : two of these were large, and capable of 

 containing much provision and stores, and affording 

 great comfort and protection to their crews ; but 

 with these I shall have little to do. The other two 

 were whale boats, twenty-seven feet in length and 

 nearly five in breadth, open from bow to backboard, 

 providing therefore no shelter from the weather. 

 Twenty-five persons were comprised in the crews of 

 all these boats, Lieutenant Pullen having command, 

 supported by Mr. Martin and myself. As much 

 provisions as could be carried were stowed away, 

 amounting to more than seventy days' allowance for 

 the whole party, besides twenty cases of pemmican, 

 to be buried along the coast, as depots for any parties 

 of the missing voyagers who might chance u])on these 

 shores. 



