Mat, 1858. PROXIMITY OF THE WHALERS. 125 



and extensive valley, said to abound with rein- 

 deer; this river has its origin in lakes and 

 glaciers in the interior, and the discolouration 

 of the water is probably the chief cause of suc- 

 cess in white-whale fishing, which is carried on 

 here in the autumn, as those timid animals will 

 not permit boats to approach them in clear 

 water. 



This evening we are crossing Omenak's 

 Fiord, and the land-wind, which here and all 

 along the coast northwards blows from the N.E., 

 has come off to us. 



31st. — Lying fast to an iceberg offUpernivik. 



The whalers are all within a dozen miles of 

 us, unable to penetrate further north. The 

 season appears forward, and the ice much de- 

 cayed ; but southerly winds prevail, retarding 

 its disruption and removal. Captain Parker, 

 of the ' Emma,' tells me he does not expect to 

 make a north passage this year, and as his ex- 

 perience extends over a period of at least thirty 

 years, I * give his reason ; it is simply this, — • 

 that as during the months of February, March, 

 and April northerly winds prevailed to an un- 

 usual degree, therefore southerly winds may 

 now be expected to continue ; if he prove a pro- 

 phet, it will be to our serious hindrance at this 

 critical season. Governor Fliescher says the 



