262 CALTON POINT. 



and arrowroot, were in solution ; and the contents 

 of tlie medicine-cliest would have required careful 

 analysation to determine their respective quantities. 

 With much labour, and many duckings, the boats 

 were cleared, and all but irretrievable damages 

 repaired; and by seven, we had launched and re- 

 loaded the boats. The wind was still very strong 

 when we embarked, requiring double-reefed sails, 

 with which we proceeded until eleven, when, to 

 secure the safety of the " Supply," we ran under 

 Herschel Island, and took an early dinner; for the 

 periods of our meals were at all times subject to 

 the convenience of the moment. The afternoon's 

 fortune was little propitious : the three boats all pro- 

 ceeded under sail, the " Supply" being closely waited 

 upon by the others, which was indeed a necessary 

 measure of precaution, for she shipped a good deal of 

 water, and obliged us to come to an early halt under 

 the lee of a gravelly island spit, near to and south- 

 east of Calton Point. Long large fires of drift-wood 

 were made, on each side of which the damaged 

 biscuit was spread, and in this way considerably 

 dried ; but one evil was repaired only by the infliction 

 of another ; for in addition to its previous mouldiness 

 and gall-like flavour, it was now plentifully inter- 

 mixed with sand and grit, which fought fierce battles 



