In the Arctic Regions. 205 
breeze, until the spreading of a thick fog caused us to 
land. The rocks here consisted of a beautiful mixture 
of red and gray granite, traversed from north to south 
by veins of red felspar, which were crossed in various 
directions by smaller veins filled with the same sub- 
stance. 
At noon the wind coming from a favorable quarter 
tempted us to proceed, although the fog was unabated. 
We kept as close as we could to the main shore, but 
having to cross some bays, it became a matter of 
doubt whether we had not left the main, and were 
running along an island. Just as we were endeavor- 
ing to double a bold cape, the fog partially cleared 
away, and allowed us an imperfect view of a chain of 
islands on the outside, and of much heavy ice which 
was pressing down upon us. The shore near us was 
so steep and rugged that no landing of the cargoes 
could be effected, and we were preserved only by some 
men jumping on the rocks, and thrusting the ice off 
with poles, There was no alternative but to continue 
along this dreary shore, seeking a channel between the 
different masses of ice which had accumulated at the 
various points. ‘In this operation both the canoes 
were in imminent danger of being crushed by the ice, 
which was now tossed about by the waves that the 
gale had excited. We effected a passage, however, 
and keeping close to the shore, landed at the entrance 
