In the Arctic 7.' 453 



a great distance from th< ; it then appeared to 



ml gradually to the base of the Bnckland chain of 

 mountains. 



The following morning being calm, and very 

 fine, the bouts were launched at three a. If., and we 

 • off in high spirits ; but after pulling three miles, 

 we perceived the channel of open water becoming 

 narrow, and the pieces of ice heavier than any we had 

 before seen, some of them being aground in three 



fathoms water. At six A. M., after havi: live 



miles and a halt', we were stopped by the ice which 

 adhered to the reef, and was unbroken to seaward. 

 Imagining we saw water at Borne distance beyond this 

 barrier, we were induced to drag the boats across the 

 reef, and launch them into the channel on the inside, 

 in the hope of reaching it. Tins proved to he a hay, 

 at the head of which we arrived in a short time. It 

 was then discovered that a fog hanging over the ice 



had been mistaken for water. The boats were, there- 

 fore, reconveyed across the reef, the tents pitched, 



and we had to draw largely on oiir nearly ezhausl 



Btock of patience, as we contemplated the dreary view 

 of this compact icy field. A herd of rein-deer appear- 

 ed \ irtunely to afford some employment, and 

 most of the men were despatched on the chase, hut 

 only one was successful. The following observati 

 were obtained : — Latitudi 69* 36 V ; longitude l- 



