INTRODUCTION. 



xiii 



the tables of the several observations, and the memorandum relating 

 to the charts in the Appendix, With the hope of making the charts 

 in some degree interesting to the geologist, as well as to the sea- 

 man and geographer, I have inserted in them a brief notice of the 

 geological character of the lands we had an opportunity of examining ; 

 and some pains have been taken to deduce and delineate, from the 

 numerous Esquimaux sketches, such parts of the coast as those people 

 are acquainted with, but to which our own efforts have not hitherto 

 enabled us to obtain access. It having been suggested that the deline- 

 ation of ice upon a chart gives it a confused appearance, while it con- 

 veys the idea of a fixed rather than of a constantly moving body, it 

 has now been altogether omitted, except in one or two instances, where 

 the description given of its position in the Narrative may. by this 

 means be illustrated and explained. 



The sketches of lands were principally made by Mr. Bushnan, such 

 views being selected by myself as appeared most striking, or best cal- 

 culated to elucidate the descriptions given of the coast. Some w T ere, 

 however, taken by Captain Lyon, to whom the Public is indebted for 

 all the other drawings of every description. Of the merit of these 

 interesting performances it would be presumptuous in me to offer an 

 opinion ; but I cannot deny myself the pleasure of bearing testimony 

 to the obliging readiness with which Captain Lyon has always attended 

 to my suggestions on this subject, as well as to the eagerness and assi- 

 duity with which he seized on every opportunity of exercising his 

 pencil, which so monotonous and unpicturesque a voyage presented. 

 The drawings were soon after our arrival put into the hands of 

 Mr. Edward Finden, with whose abilities as an artist the Public is 

 already well acquainted ; it is hoped that the manner in which they 



