192 PEOCEED WESTWAED IN A BOAT. Chap. XI. 



CHAPTEK XI. 



Proceed westward in a boat — Cheerless state of the western sea 

 — Struggles in Bellot Strait — Falcons, good Arctic fare — The 

 resources of Boothia Felix — Future sledge travelling — Heavy 

 gales — Hobson's party start — Winter quarters — Bellot's 

 Strait — Advanced depot established — Observatories — Intense 

 cold — Autumn travellers — Narrow escape. 



Most anxious to know the real state of the 

 ice in the western sea — upon which our hopes 

 so entirely depend — I intend starting this 

 evening by boat, as far through Bellot Strait 

 as the ice will permit, then land and ascend 

 the western coast-hills. 



1st Sept. — My boat party consisted of four 

 men and the Doctor, who came with me for the 

 novelty of the cruise, bringing his camera to 

 fasten upon anything picturesque. We landed 

 near Half-way Island, and pitched our tent for 

 the night. Early next morning I commenced 

 the rather formidable undertaking of ascending 

 the hills, for it is not possible to pass under the 

 cliffs, and at last I gained the summit of the 

 loftiest, overlooking Cape Bird at a distance of 

 3 or 4 miles, and affording a splendid view to 



