1876 CONDITION OF GREENLAND PARTY. 83 



seal meat, the sick men were regaining strength and 

 health in a most surprising manner. Although still 

 weak and powerless there was every reason to hope 

 that all would be sufficiently recovered to cross the 

 strait by the beginning of August. 



But for the valuable depot of provisions which had 

 been established at Hall's Eest by the Polaris expedition, 

 Beaumont would have found the greatest difficulty in 

 obtaining supplies. 



Captain Stephenson immediately decided to start 

 with a sledge party for Polaris Bay, conveying medical 

 comforts, etc. 



As the ice was then breaking up in Hall's Basin, 

 a small boat was taken ; but even with its assistance 

 the crossing occupied them three days, Hall's Eest 

 being reached on the 19th. 



After a stay of ten days, during which time the 

 invalids rapidly improved, Captain Stephenson escorted 

 half the men across the channel to Discovery Bay, 

 leaving Beaumont and Dr. Coppinger to follow with 

 the remainder after another week's rest. So broken- 

 up was the ice in Hall's Basin that the ship was not 

 reached until the sixth day, after a very wet journey. 



A severe gale detained Beaumont at Polaris Bay 

 until the 8th of August, when a start was made for 

 Discovery Bay. To cross a broad channel at this 

 season of the year was a most hazardous enterprise, 

 the floes being broken up and drifting rapidly to the 

 southward. On the third journey, to save themselves 

 from being driven into Kennedy Channel, a forced 

 inarch had to be made ; and after thirty-five hours of 

 incessant labour they succeeded in reaching the shore 



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