April 1830. OBSTRUCTION SOUND. 353 
mile ; but he had left a small opening in the N.E. unexplored, 
which, as our last hope, I thought it necessary to examine ; 
and he went for that purpose the next morning. Situated as we 
were, we had great reason to be very earnest in the search for 
a passage; and, I think, that no channel into the Skyring 
Water, however small and intricate, would have been left un- 
attempted at this crisis. During the vessel’s continuance in 
Easter Bay, the men, who remained on board, were employed 
in clearing the hold, and completing wood and water to the 
utmost, in order that we might not be delayed at any anchorage 
after our departure thence. 
“ On the 18th, I went, in a boat, down the opening east of 
Point Return; and by noon reached Virginia Island. Two miles 
to the southward the channel branches to the S.E., and to the 
S.W. ; I followed the latter branch, landing where necessary to 
continue the angles, and arrived in the evening at the extremity, 
which was closed by low land ; in the middle was a wide and 
rapid stream. The slot of a deer was seen along the margin of 
the shore. Next day we proceeded down the S.E. branch to 
the Centre Island, thence steered towards an opening that 
appeared in the S.W., and passing through a narrow winding 
passage, entered a large bay, which was closed at the bottom 
by low land, similarly to the branch examined yesterday. 
Only an opening to the N.E. now remained to be explored ; 
but night coming on, we hauled up in Tranquil Bay, near 
the northern extremity. The N.E. opening was found to 
trend eastward for three miles, and then turn to the S.E., 
forming an extensive bay, whose shores were encircled by 
low land, and only separated from Obstruction Sound, by an 
isthmus two miles broad. Our search being concluded, I has- 
tened back, and arrived on board the schooner late in the even- 
ing. Finding Mr. Kirke had not returned, I still entertained 
some little hope, and the vessel was prepared to move either 
one way or the other as soon as he came back. 
*¢ Late on the 21st, Mr. Kirke arrived. The opening in the 
N.E. had been traced for nearly thirty miles from the entrance, 
first to the N.E., and then to the W.N.W., till it was closed 
VOL. I. Za 
