14 CKUISE OF THE NEPTUNE 



coast, to an elevation of upwards of 2,500 feet; far inland is 

 seen the glistening white surface of the great Grinnel glacier, 

 which flows northward into Frobisher bay. Not being very 

 active, it does not discharge icebergs. 



The Saddle-back islands were passed in the evening; they 

 number at least twenty, or double the number laid down on the 

 chart. There are indications of good harbours between them. 

 Soundings taken in the vicinity of the supposed Gripper shoal 

 did not indicate any such obstruction to navigation. A large 

 number of icebergs were passed during the day, having been 

 apparently drifted into the strait by the westerly current of its 

 north side, probably aided by favouring easterly winds. They 

 were not very numerous to the westward of Big island. 



The morning of the 10th the ship was off Douglas harbour, 

 and, from there, coasted along the south side of the strait to 

 Cape Weggs, whence a passage was taken for the east end of 

 Charles island. The north side of that island was closely fol- 

 lowed, in order to survey it. 



Near the western end of the island many walrus were seen 

 in the water and upon a small islet close to the shore. As 

 several of these animals were required for dog-food during the 

 coming winter, the ship was anchored in a small harbour near 

 by, and early next morning the small launch was lowered ready 

 for the chase. Soon after leaving the ship, several hundred 

 walruses were seen sporting in the water about the islet. They 

 were in bands, varying in numbers from ten to twenty, each 

 band probably composed of an old male and his harem. A band 

 would be singled out, and the launch, at full speed would put 

 after it. When the animals became aware that they were being 

 chased, they would endeavour to escape by diving, always keep- 

 ing close together. At first they would remain under several 

 minutes, and would travel four hundred yards; as the chase 

 became hotter and hotter, the length of the dives gradually 



