270 LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



which here predominate by the will of God; when every 

 rock is hidden beneath snow so deep, that every step the 

 traveller takes, he is in danger of falling into his grave ; while 

 avalanches threaten him from above, and if he lifts his eyes to 

 the horizon, he sees nothing but dark clouds filled with frost 

 and snow, and inspiring him with a feeling of despair. 



" July 3. W6 have had a stiif easterly wind all day, rainy, 

 and the water so rough we could not go ashore, for plants to 

 draw, imtil late in the afternoon. The view of the sea from the 

 highest rocks was grand, the small islands were covered with 

 the foam and surf thrown up by the agitated ocean. Thank 

 God that we are not tossing on its billows. 



" July 4. Two parties went out to-day to get birds and plants, 

 and I remained on board all day drawing. Captain Bayfield 

 sent us a quarter of mutton for our fourth of July dinner, and I 

 dare say it is a rarity on this coast of Labrador, even on this 

 day. 



" Jidy 5. Thermometer 50°. I drew from four o'clock this 

 morning until three this afternoon, and then went on an 

 expedition for a few miles to a large rough island, which I 

 traversed until I was weary, for walking on this spongy moss of 

 Labrador is a task no one can imagine without trying it ; at 

 every step the foot sinks in a deep moss cushion, which closes 

 over it, and requires considerable exertion to draw it up. When 

 the moss is over a marshy tract, then you sink a couple of feet 

 deep every step you take, and to reach a bare rock is delightful, 

 and quite a relief. This afternoon the country looked more 

 terrifyingly wild than ever, the dark clouds throwing their 

 shadows on the stupendous masses of rugged rocks, presented 

 one of the wildest pictures of nature that the eye can find to 

 look on anywhere. 



"July 6. Thermometer 48°. At noon my fingers were so 

 cold that I could no longer hold my pencil to draw, and I was 

 compelled to go on shore for exercise. The fact is I am growing 

 old too fast, alas ! I feel it, and yet work I will, and may God 

 grant me life to see the last plate of my mammoth work 

 finished. 



" July 7. Drawing all day ; finished the female grouse and 

 five young ones, and preparing the male bird. 



