THE ST. LAWRENCE ISLANDS. 93 



protected us from the waves of the high sea, and 

 enabled us to follow up the chain at a distance of 

 half a mile to S. After we had sailed along it nine 

 miles, and the sun was near setting, 1 gave up 

 further examination for to-day; the ship was put 

 about, and we sailed back the same way by which 

 we came. We had seen two channels between the 

 reefs; the larger one near to the island of Kawen, 

 and the second a little more south ; and I deter- 

 mined, if possible, to penetrate into the group next 

 day. On our voyage back, we saw a great num- 

 ber of people on Kawen, who were admiring our 

 ship ; we therefore hoped to meet here with a 

 more numerous population. 



On the 11th, at break of day, the wind became 

 violent, but the weather remained serene; I there- 

 fore did not abandon my determination of pene- 

 trating the group. At six o'clock we saw the 

 island of Kawen, and at half-past seven were 

 in smooth water before the strait ; which lies close 

 to this island. The wind was now so violent that 

 the top-sails ought to have been double-reefed ; but 

 as the direction of the passage made it impossible 

 to enter, except by tacking, I did not dare to 

 carry little sail, and gave orders to take in only the 

 top-gallant sails. We had, however, in the mean 

 time, approached the entrance within a fathom, and 

 could clearly see whether there was enough deoth 

 for our ship. It must appear strange to the ma- 

 riner, that we should attempt to measure the depth 



