40 CKUISE OF THE NEPTUNE 



This ice completely filled the side of the strait, and probably 

 extended to Nottingham island, but there was open water on the 

 north side of the strait through which the whaler Active had 

 already passed on her way into Hudson bay. The important 

 point to be noted is that during all the times that the Neptune 

 was beset by the ice during the passage east along the south side 

 of the strait, there was never any sign of the surrounding ice 

 rafting by the pressure occasioned at the change of tides, and 

 never was the pressure about the ship sufficient to cause damage 

 to an unprotected iron ship. 



There is little doubt that if a more northerly course had been 

 taken on the passage eastward much more open water would 

 have been found, including an unobstructed passage from at 

 least the western end of Charles island, while to the westward 

 open lanes would probably have extended from the neighbour- 

 hood of Nottingham island. 



During the early part of July ships proceeding out of Hudson 

 bay will probably find on the southern side of Hudson strait, 

 or rather on the southern side of the mid-channel, the best and 

 safest passage, owing to the easterly currents of that side. 

 Ships entering Hudson bay at this time should follow the 

 northern side of the strait, keeping as far as possible away from 

 the land, especially that of Big island, until that island is 

 passed, when the mid-channel should be held past Nottingham 

 island, and from there the course should be laid to pass within 

 easy distance of the north end of Mansfield island. The strong 

 tides in the eastern part of the strait, and especially about Big 

 island, cause the ice to close with considerable pressure at the 

 change of tide, and this dangerous pressure is most severe close 

 to the land. 



We arrived at Port Burwell on the date arranged before 

 leaving Halifax for meeting the relief ship. By a coincidence 

 the Erik, bringing our supply of coal and fresh provisions, 



