OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. 



4.5 



quarter past nine this evening, after which time the tide began almost im- 

 mediately to run to the northward. Several rein-deer were seen on the 

 western or low shore in the course of the day. 



The weather was cloudy and nearly calm during the night, and a thick fog 

 came on the following morning. We weighed, however, at high water and Sat. 18. 

 beat to the southward with a light air from that quarter, regulating our course 

 by the lead which is here a faithful guide. At nine A.M., the wind shifted 

 to the N.W., and the fog was succeeded by rain for an hour or two, after 

 which the weather became dry, clear, and pleasant. As soon as the favourable 

 breeze sprung up we stood under all sail for what at first appeared to be the 

 south-eastern extreme of the low land, more of which, however, came in sight 

 as we advanced and as the weather became clearer; till at length, at one 

 P.M., it was but too evident that we were once more embayed," the low 

 beach running quite round to Southampton Island, about nine or ten miles 

 to the southward of us. I therefore ordered the ships to be anchored, 

 being in thirteen fathoms, on a bottom of mud and shells, at the distance 

 of two miles and a quarter from the high or eastern land, and about four 

 from the other : and in order to leave no doubt of the continuity of land, 

 as it appeared from the ships, I despatched a boat from each under the 

 command of Lieutenant Reid, with directions to row close to the beach, 

 completely round the bay, making such hydrographical and other remarks 

 as circumstances would permit. 



In the mean time Captain Lyon and myself went on shore to the east- 

 ward, in order to obtain from the hills a view of the surrounding lands. It 

 may here be observed that, on this eastern side of the bay, there is a strip 

 of low and lightish-coloured land a mile or two in breadth, extending from 

 the foot of the hills to the sea. On landing we found this low shore to 

 consist of whitish limestone in schistose fragments, alternating with narrow 

 strips of verdure, and some ponds of water ; while the rocks at the back, 

 which rise eight or nine hundred feet above the level of the sea, are 

 composed of gneiss, with here and there a quantity of limestone in heaps, 

 and in many places large masses of quartz, mica, and red feldspar, lying 

 detached upon the surface. Near the top of the hill we also met with 

 a considerable quantity of magnetic ironstone. We saw no living animal 

 but three small birds. Stones placed erect in different parts, and even at 

 the very top of the hill, shewed that the Esquimaux had visited these shores, 

 but we observed no recent traces of them. 



