OLD WHALING DAYS. 



205 



BEAR OR CHERIE ISLAND. 



BEAR ISLAND was discovered in 1596 by William Barentz, 

 the Dutch Navigator, whilst on his way to discover the 

 north-east passage to the realms of Cathay or China. The 

 sailors went on shore for a boat load of eggs, and on their 

 return were attacked by a gigantic bear, which proved of a 

 most ferocious disposition. She fought with the sailors 

 while " four glasses ranne out," and swam off with a hatchet 

 which had been driven into her back by a sturdy Dutch 

 tar, and was at last with difficulty killed, when she was 

 found to measure thirteen feet in length. In consequence 

 of this adventure, the land thus discovered received the 

 name of Bear Island. 



Bear Island was re-discovered and re christened in 1603. 



