144 On the North-west Passage 
very little doubt can, in my opinion, be entertained of a con- 
tinued sea, in or about that line of direction. The existence 
of whales too, on this part of the coast, evidenced by the 
whalebone we found in Esquimaux coves, may be con- 
sidered as an argument for an open sea; and a connexion 
with Hudson’s bay, is rendered more probable from the 
same kind of fish abounding on the coasts we visited, and on 
those to the north of Churchill river. I allude more particu- 
larly to the Capelin or Salmo Arcticus, which we found in 
large shoals in Bathurst’s inlet, and which not only abounds 
as Augustus the Esquimaux told us, in the bays in his coun- 
try, but swarms in the Greenland Friths. The portion 
of the sea over which we passed is navi gable for vessels 
of any size; the ice we met, particularly after quitting 
Detention harbour, would not have arrested a strong boat. 
The chain of islands affords shelter from all heavy seas, 
and there are good harbours at convenient distances. I 
entertain indeed, sanguine hopes that the skill and exertions 
of my friend Capt. Parry will soon render this question no 
longer problematical.” 
In conclusion I have only to observe that a few years may 
decide this import geographical question; three parties by 
wintering one season near the coast could each take a portion 
of it and investigate it—First party from Copper-Mine river 
E. to Repulse bay —second party from the same river, W. to 
Mackenzie’s river—the third party from this river, W. to Icy 
cape or Kotesbue’s sound. ‘The navigator who first accom- 
plishes this passage will be second only to Columbus, and 
the enterprising Capt. Parry is at this time on his 3d voyage 
for the purpose with the hopes and wishes of all the world for 
his success. ‘Che recent return of Capt. Lyon militates not 
against the probable success of his former commander. 
The recent scale of rewards offered by the British govern- 
ment may induce individuals engaged in the fisheries to haz- 
ard its accomplishment. 
ist. To the first ship belonging to any of his majesty’s sub- 
jects, or to his majesty, that shall proceed to the longitude of 
110° west, or to the mouth of Hearne’s or Copper-Mine river, 
by sailing within the arctic circle, £5000; to 130° west, or to 
the whale island of Mackenzie, £10,000 ; to 150 west by sail- 
ing westward within the arctic circle £15,000; to the Pacific 
ocean, by a north-west passage £20,000. 
