[15] OPERATIONS OF SCHOONER GRAMPUS. 505 



that we might be prepared for either small or large game. Seals were 

 seen hauled out on the lee side of the island, but all attempts to secure 

 them failed, owing to their extreme timidity and alertness. Better 

 success was met with in securing specimens of birds. 



The threatening condition of the weather made it somewhat risky to 

 remain long on the island, and I determined to beat down to Mingan 

 Harbor before the flood tide made. It was, therefore, arranged that 

 our party, which separated on landing, should assemble at the boat 

 about two hours later to go on board. 



A little after 10 a. m., however, the Canadian cruiser La Ganadienne, 

 which came from the westward, anchored near the Grampus, lowered a 

 boat and went on board our vessel. As soon as our party got together 

 we returned on board, where I found Commander William Wakeham, 

 inspector of fisheries for the province of Quebec, who was in command 

 of the cruiser. In conversation with the mate he had learned that we 

 had no suitable charts of Mingan, and he had very courteously sent 

 his boat back to the cruiser for some sheet charts of the region, which 

 he presented to me. He also generously offered to send on board a 

 pilot, or to render any other assistance which was needed. The charts 

 he had furnished were so detailed that I felt safe in going by them with- 

 out the assistance of a pilot. The La Canadienne got under way a little 

 before we did, but steamed along slowly, apparently waiting for us to 

 start. We filled away at 11.30 a. m., under all lower sails and maingaff- 

 topsail, and less than an hour later tacked off the western entrance of 

 Mingan Harbor, and began beating against the flcod tide which was 

 running fully 3 knots in the narrows. Shortly after 1 p. m. we 

 anchored in 9 fathoms off' the Hudson Bay Company's buildings. 

 About an hour later a collecting* party was sent on shore. 



On the 12th the weather was thick, with fog and rain, and a moderate 

 breeze from east-southeast to south-southeast. Messrs. Lucas and 

 Palmer and two seamen were on shore collecting most of the day, but 

 aside from botanical specimens little of value was obtained. 



In the afternoon Commander Wakeham introduced Mr. Dugay, the 

 Canadian fishery agent at Mingan Harbor, and instructed him to assist 

 us in any way in his power, and particularly to aid in any effort we might 

 make to secure specimens of trout or salmon for our collection.* This 

 was especially important to us, since the river fisheries in this region 

 are leased by the Government to private parties, who will allow no one 

 to fish in them without permission. 



Two Indians, who were accustomed to hunting seals, were engaged 

 to go with us as soon as the weather permitted us to visit the western 

 islands of the group, where the haunts of the gray seal are situated. 



On the 13th the weather cleared up, and the wind, which was from 



* It may be explained that the obtainment of specimens of trout from the regions 

 visited by us was considered important, since they were needed for study by the Com- 

 mission. 



