OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. 245 



experienced the rapidity with which such changes do take place, Avhen once ^^22. 

 they fairly begin in these regions. The whole aspect of the island was so vj^"4l/ 

 thoroughly metamorphosed, in consequence of the disappearance of the 

 snow, that the very spots on which we had been in the frequent habit oi' 

 walking for the last nine months, could now scarcely be recognised ; and 1 

 believe not one among us, if removed from Winter Island in May and 

 brought back in July, would, from the mere aspect of the land, have very 

 easily discovered the scene of our winter's rambles. 



Some other birds had now also arrived in our neighbourhood ; among Sat. 29. 

 these the golden plovers and phalaropes were tolerably abundant, as also 

 boatswains, terns, and dovekies ; the latter had been absent for some time ; 

 and it was curious to observe that in the interval they had nearly re-as- 

 sumed their summer plumage. Some brent-geese and black-throated divers 

 Avere found to frequent the ponds on shore, and a single specimen of the 

 hams Sabini was procured, being the only individual of that species seen on 

 the island. Iligliuk had recognised the bird, (which the Esquimaux call 

 Erkeet-y uggee-dri-oo,) by the engraving of it, and said we should find them 

 to the northward, which piece of information we afterwards found to be 

 correct. We were surprised that no more grouse had been seen, and some- 

 what disappointed at having only procured a single deer, which the Hccla's 

 sportsmen were fortunate in shooting on the 29t]i ; but of these animals 

 very few had been met with. Two or three foxes had lately been seen, 

 one of which was of a darkish colour and the others quite Avhite. The 

 vegetation had also felt the good effects of the late mild and moist Aveather, 

 and a number of plants Avere noAV appearing in floAver. Among these, spe- 

 cimens of the potcnlilla nkect, saxifragct caspitosa, draba alphui, and oxijtropis 

 ardka, had been procured Avithin the last three or four days. 



The AA^esterly Avind did not long continue, but again veered to the south- Sun. 30. 

 Avard and then to the east. On the 30tli it suddenly backed to N.N.E., 

 from Avhich quarter it soon freshened to a strong gale Avith licaAy snoAv and 

 sleet. This inclement Aveather did us some service in clearing part of our 

 passage out of the bay, Avhicli the late Avinds had blocked up with ice; but to 

 the eastAvard of the island, the main body remained (juite close to the shore. 

 In the course of the night the Avind veered to the north, giving us eveiy 

 hope of being speedily at liberty to put to sea. 



Previously to leaving our present Avinter-quarters, Avhere avc had noAV nearly 

 completed our ninth month, I shall oflcr a fcAv remarks on the extent and 



