LABRADOR. 587 



supply materials for forming a lodging for the night ! On the coast of 

 Labrador there are no such things ; granite and green moss are spread 

 around, silence like that of the grave envelopes all, and when night has 

 closed the dreary scene from your sight, the wolves, attracted by tne 

 scent of the remains of your scanty repast, gather around you. Cowards 

 as they are, they dare not venture on a charge ; but their bowlings ef- 

 fectually banish sleep. You must almost roast your feet to keep them 

 warm, while your head and shoulders are chilled by the blast. When 

 morning comes," she smiles not on you with rosy cheeks, but appears 

 muffled in a grey mantle of cold mist, which shews you that there is no 

 prospect of a fine day. The object of the expedition, which was to pro- 

 cure some Owls that had been observed there by day, was entirely frus- 

 trated. At early dawn, the party rose stiffened and^dispirited, and glad 

 were they to betake themselves to their boats, and return to their floating 

 home. 



Before we left Labrador, several of my young friends began to feel 

 the want of suitable clothing. The sailors' ever-tailoring system was, be- 

 lieve me, fairly put to the test. Patches of various colours ornamented 

 knees and elbows ; our boots were worn out ; our greasy garments and 

 battered hats were in hai'mony with our tanned and weather-beaten faces ; 

 and, had you met with us. you might have taken us for a squad of wretch - 

 ed vagrants ; but we were joyous in the expectation of a speedy return > 

 and exulted at the thoughts of our success. 



As the chill blast that precedes the winter's tempest thickened the fogs 

 on the hills and ruffled the dark waters, each successive day saw us more 

 anxious to leave the dreary wilderness of grim rocks and desolate moss- 

 clad valleys. Unfavourable winds prevented us for a while from spread- 

 ing our white sails ; but at last one fair morning smiled on the wintry 

 world, the Ripley was towed from the harbour, her tackle trimmed, and 

 as we bounded over the billow j, we turned our eyes toward the wilds of 

 Labrador, and heartily bade them farewell for ever ! 



